The Lakers made an offer he was obviously able to refuse. Shocking many if not most throughout the Sports world.
Dan Hurley, the celebrated head coach of UConn’s men’s basketball team, has decided to remain with the Huskies despite a lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. Hurley, who has led UConn to back-to-back NCAA championships, was reportedly offered a six-year, $70 million contract by the Lakers, which would have placed him among the top six highest-paid NBA coaches.
Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn was confirmed through a statement released by the university’s basketball program. In it, Hurly expressed his pride in the championship culture he has built at Connecticut and his excitement to continue pursuing further championships with the team. “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. “Our focus right now is getting better this summer and connecting as a team as we continue to pursue championships.”
UConn basketball coach Dan Hurley is staying in CT and trying for a third straight national championship. pic.twitter.com/rwSkaVd0Xo
— Kent Pierce (@kentpierce8) June 11, 2024
The Lakers had been seeking a new head coach following the dismissal of Darvin Ham after two seasons. Their interest in Hurley was part of a broader strategy to achieve a deep playoff run next season. Hurley had even traveled to Los Angeles to meet with Lakers management last week, discussing the role and the team’s future before ultimately deciding to return to the East Coast.
In his comments about the Lakers’ proposal, Hurley acknowledged that the offer was compelling and praised the vision laid out for him. However, he ultimately felt a stronger pull to continue his work at UConn, where he has enjoyed significant success. Under Hurley’s leadership, UConn not only claimed the NCAA championships but also secured the Big East regular season and tournament titles, culminating in Hurley being named the 2024 Naismith Coach of the Year.
I asked Caitlin Clark about Dan Hurley staying at UConn and she talked about her great admiration for Hurley and how great it is for college basketball that he’s not going to the NBA. pic.twitter.com/d4XnLTCWCd
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) June 11, 2024
Since joining UConn, Hurley has compiled an impressive 141-58 record over six seasons. His overall coaching record stands at 292-163, including previous tenures at Wagner and Rhode Island. Hurley’s continued success at UConn has solidified his reputation as a top coach in college basketball, capable of developing a winning program and mentoring student-athletes to perform at their best.
The Lakers, meanwhile, will now turn their attention to other candidates as they look to fill their coaching vacancy before the upcoming NBA Draft on June 26. They hope to find a coach who can steer the team back to its former glory and deepen their playoff runs in the coming seasons.
I am personally wishing Dan Hurley and @UConn to lose every game and doesn’t make it to fulfill a threepeat. pic.twitter.com/BPizP7opIq
— Konrad De Leon♋️ (@konrad55) June 11, 2024
Hurley’s commitment to UConn is a significant affirmation of his dedication to college basketball and his belief in the program he has built. As he looks ahead, his focus remains on enhancing team cohesion and performance, aiming for continued success in the NCAA landscape.
Key Points:
i. Dan Hurley, head coach of UConn men’s basketball, has declined a lucrative six-year, $70 million offer from the Los Angeles Lakers to remain at the University of Connecticut.
ii. Hurley’s decision follows back-to-back NCAA championships with UConn, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s continued success and championship culture.
iii. The Lakers had approached Hurley as part of a broader plan to revitalize their team for a deep playoff run, following the firing of their previous coach, Darvin Ham.
iv. Under Hurley’s leadership, UConn secured both the Big East regular season and tournament titles, contributing to his recognition as the 2024 Naismith Coach of the Year.
v. The Lakers will continue their search for a new head coach as they aim to fill the position before the NBA Draft on June 26, while Hurley focuses on preparing UConn for future NCAA tournaments.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
