The ongoing “Will he or won’t he coach the Los Angeles Lakers?” intrigue that has captivated Connecticut for days has come to an end: He won’t.
Dan Hurley will not leave UConn men’s basketball to coach the NBA team, ESPN reported Monday.
It was a reported six-year contract worth $70 million, but it was apparently an offer he could refuse.
The UConn coach told an ESPN reporter that the Lakers made a “compelling case” but that he wants to focus on what he’s built with the Huskies. UConn won back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024.
A UConn spokesperson said the report is accurate, but that the university would not be commenting at the moment. But soon after the news was announced, UConn posted on social media an image of Hurley at a Huskies game, raising his hands in the air.
Later Monday afternoon, Hurley released a statement, saying he met with the team earlier in the day. He said the team's focus is on "getting better" and "connecting as a team" as they continue to pursue championships.
"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."
The news pleased basketball fans, UConn students and leaders, as well as elected officials across the state.
"Our MVP Coach is staying in CT," Gov. Ned Lamont posted on social media just minutes after the news was announced.
On LinkedIn, Lamont wrote: "Coach turned down $70M to stay in Connecticut. Talk about a ringing endorsement of a place and opportunity."
On the Storrs campus Monday, Husky fans were elated. Larry Ross says he has been part of the UConn community since he came to the school in 1965.
"I'm thrilled," Ross said. "I think Hurley has done a wonderful job. He strikes me as a really great guy, great coach. ... Clearly a great coach. And I couldn't be happier that he's staying."
Michael Taylor, also a UConn graduate, said he had a big smile when he learned Hurley was staying. He said he thanks Hurley for what he's done for the UConn community.
“It’s fantastic to see a man who has principles and has found a place where he can make a career and a mark as opposed to 'take the money and run,'” Taylor said.
In recent days, Lamont had weighed in on the situation as it generated all sorts of media attention.
“I just know that Dan Hurley is the greatest coach in America,” Lamont said last week. “So no wonder that professional teams are paying attention.”
Lamont said last week that Hurley and his family “ought to know they are part of the Connecticut family. We love them in Connecticut.”
Last June, Hurley signed a six-year deal with the Huskies worth more than $32 million. Meanwhile, UConn just last week gave women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma a five-year extension worth nearly $19 million.
The Lakers’ reported plan to offer a massive contract to Hurley was the latest twist in the monthlong race to replace Darvin Ham, who was fired May 3 after two seasons.
On Thursday night, ESPN reported Hurley was traveling to Los Angeles for a Friday meeting with Lakers leaders. Citing unidentified sources in the report, ESPN also said Hurley informed UConn of his interest in talking to the Lakers on Wednesday and spoke to his players Thursday.
WSHU's Ebong Udoma and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
