Dan Hurley, head coach of UConn’s men’s basketball team, has turned down a lucrative $70 million contract from the LA Lakers, opting to stay with the Huskies. Hurley, who has led UConn to back-to-back NCAA championships, decided to remain at the university to chase a historic third consecutive title.
“I am humbled by this entire experience. At the end of the day, I am extremely proud of the championship culture we have built at Connecticut,” Hurley stated in an email to CNN. “Our focus right now is on getting better this summer and connecting as a team as we continue to pursue championships.”
Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn rather than jump to the NBA has sparked considerable buzz. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN first broke the news, revealing that Hurley met with his team before practice to share his commitment to their shared goals.
The Lakers’ offer was undeniably tempting—six years for $70 million—but Hurley’s loyalty to UConn and the pursuit of a third straight title proved stronger. Sources told Wojnarowski that Hurley is driven to make history, aiming to become the first men’s program to achieve a three-peat since UCLA’s legendary run in the early 1970s.
UConn Athletic Director David Benedict expressed his delight at Hurley’s decision. “We are thrilled that Dan Hurley has made the decision to stay at UConn and continue building upon our championship tradition. He has helped return our men’s basketball program back to the pinnacle of the sport, including back-to-back NCAA Championships, and we’re grateful for his loyalty to UConn.”
Hurley’s contract with UConn, signed last year, is worth $32.1 million over six years, excluding performance-based incentives. Leaving for an NBA position would have required him to pay a $1.875 million fee, according to Sportrac.
Hurley’s tenure at UConn has been marked by an impressive 141-58 record over six seasons. Before joining UConn, he coached at Wagner College and the University of Rhode Island, but he has no NBA coaching experience.
This decision not only cements Hurley’s commitment to UConn but also sets the stage for an exciting season as the Huskies aim for a historic three-peat. For now, the Lakers will have to look elsewhere to fill their coaching vacancy.
