Dan Hurley, who has led the UConn Huskies to back-to-back NCAA championships, has decided to remain with the team, turning down a lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. Speculation about Hurley’s potential move to the NBA had been rife, but Hurley confirmed his commitment to UConn, prioritizing the pursuit of a third consecutive NCAA title.

Turning Down the Lakers’ Offer

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Hurley declined a six-year, $70 million offer from the Lakers, which would have placed him among the top six highest-paid coaches in the NBA. Despite the significant financial incentive, Hurley opted to stay with UConn, focusing on furthering the championship culture he has cultivated.

In a statement released by UConn Men’s Basketball on Monday, Hurley expressed his gratitude and pride in his work with the Huskies. “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 said. “Our focus right now is getting better this summer and connecting as a team as we continue to pursue championships.”

Lakers’ Interest and Coaching Changes

Reports from last week indicated that the Lakers were keen on securing Hurley’s services, especially after firing head coach Darvin Ham in May following two seasons with the team. Hurley traveled to Los Angeles on Thursday and met with the Lakers on Friday to discuss the potential deal, but returned to the East Coast on Saturday, ultimately deciding to remain at UConn.

With Hurley turning down their offer, the Lakers are now looking at other candidates for the head coaching position. The team hopes to finalize their selection before the NBA Draft on June 26. The Lakers are aiming for a deep playoff run next season and are seeking a coach who can bring them to that goal.

Career Achievements

Hurley has achieved a remarkable record at UConn, posting a 141-58 record in six seasons with the team. His overall career record stands at 292-163, reflecting his consistent success as a head coach. Hurley’s commitment to the Huskies and his ability to build a championship-winning team have solidified his reputation as one of the top coaches in college basketball.

Dan Hurley’s tenure at UConn has been marked by significant success. After successful stints at Wagner and Rhode Island, Hurley joined the Huskies and quickly turned the team into a powerhouse. The Huskies‘ unexpected championship run in 2023 was followed by a dominant 2023-2024 season. Under Hurley’s leadership, UConn secured the Big East regular season and tournament titles and cruised through the NCAA tournament. His efforts earned him the 2024 Naismith Coach of the Year award.