Dan Hurley Declines Lakers’ Head Coaching Job, Chooses To Stay at UConn

Photo: Instagram/Dan Hurley

This past weekend, the Los Angeles Lakers made headlines with their interest in UConn head coach Dan Hurley. Despite signing a six-year extension with UConn last year, Hurley considered the Lakers' offer but ultimately decided to stay with the Huskies.

The Lakers reportedly offered Hurley a six-year, $70 million deal. However, he chose to remain at UConn, a program he has revitalized. After making his decision, Hurley released a statement.

“I am humbled by this entire experience,” Hurley said. “At the end of the day, I am extremely proud of the championship culture we have built at Connecticut. We met as a team before today’s workout and our focus right now is on getting better this summer and connecting as a team as we continue to pursue championships.”

Photo: Instagram/Dan Hurley

UConn Director of Athletics David Benedict also shared his thoughts on Hurley's decision.

“We are thrilled that Dan Hurley has decided to stay at UConn and continue building on our championship tradition. He has brought our men’s basketball program back to the top, including back-to-back NCAA Championships, and we’re grateful for his loyalty to UConn. We look forward to Dan’s continued leadership on and off the court. He will continue to bring great pride to Husky fans everywhere as we work toward a three-peat.”

Benedict also emphasized the importance of financial support from donors to maintain the program’s success in the evolving college athletics landscape.

For the Lakers, this is a significant setback. They will now have to refocus on other potential candidates for their head coaching position. Hurley’s decision wasn’t about the money but staying close to home and continuing his work at UConn.

Read Next: Andy Reid Confirms Chiefs Knew About Rashee Rice Incident at SMU Before Drafting Him

Source: Lakers Nation