UConn Coach Dan Hurley Says No to $70m LA Lakers Contract

Summary:

• UConn’s Dan Hurley has debunked rumors that he would move on to coach the LA Lakers.
• Hurley allegedly turned down a six-year, $70 million contract, according to ESPN.
• The head coach said he would remain at the University of Connecticut.

Recently, a series of reports claimed University of Connecticut men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley was considering making the switch to the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers for the same position.

However, it would seem that the reigning back-to-back NCAA champion Huskies decided to maintain his position at UConn and enjoy the opportunity to help the team win its third straight NCAA championship.

Six-Year Contract for $70 Million, Turned Down

The LA Lakers apparently made a generous offer for $70 million as part of a contract that would have expanded over six years, according to ESPN.

In a statement that he emailed to CNN on Monday, Hurley said he was “humbled” by the experience, adding that he was “extremely proud of the championship culture” that they have built at UConn.

During a pre-workout meeting, the team and the head coach established their goal for the summer would be to get better and connect as a team while continuing to pursue championships.

Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn also came from a desire to assist UConn with becoming the first men’s program to win three straight NCAA championships since UCLA’s seventh straight title feat in 1973.

“Thrilled” Hurley Decided to Stay at UConn

UConn’s athletic director, David Benedict, took the opportunity to express their thrill for Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn and keep building upon their “championship tradition”.

Benedict praised the head coach’s work in helping their men’s basketball program make a comeback to “the pinnacle of the sport, including back-to-back NCAA Championships” while expressing gratitude for his loyalty.

The athletic director also took the chance to say they were looking forward to Hurley’s “continued leadership on and off the court at UConn” while also mentioning their three-peat plans.

“He will continue to bring great pride to Husky fans everywhere”, he added.

Prior to reaching UConn, Hurley coached Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, as well as the University of Rhode Island. The head coach with a 141-58 record in six seasons has never coached in the NBA.

His current contract with UConn would require him to pay a $1.875 million fee to leave for an NBA job.