Dan Hurley, the head coach of men’s basketball at the University of Connecticut, will remain in his position after turning down the advances of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 51-year-old made history by leading UConn to an NCAA Championship in 2023 and 2024, with his decision meaning he will look to lead the Huskies to a third-straight national championship once the new season begins.
Kendrick Perkins Calls LeBron James ‘Sensitive’ for Unfollowing Him
Although the Lakers were linked with names like James Borrego, JJ Redick, Sam Cassell, Kenny Atkinson, Mike Budenholzer and Ty Lue at the start of their coaching search, they had zeroed in on Hurley to replace Darvin Ham.
Despite being offered a six-year deal worth $70 million, it wasn’t enough to convince Hurley to leave the Huskies for the Purple and Gold.
Time will tell if Hurley receives a new contract from UConn after opting to stick around, as he currently earns around $5.35 million a season. That comes after he signed a six-year, $32.1 million extension with the school back in June 2023.
That new contract saw him land a significant pay increase after earning $2.9m a year following his 2018 contract. Prior to joining UConn, he earned around $300,000 a year.
Along with his base salary, Hurley can earn more via bonuses, like $100,000 should he win the Big East or matching conference tournament. He can also earn $50,000 for each first and second NCAA tournament round he takes part in, and $100,000 for reaching the Sweet 16.
Making the Elite Eight, Final Four or national title game would earn him $200,000 for each round, with a national championship earning a $500,000 bonus.
Hurley’s coaching career
Hurley’s coaching journey began at Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School, where he served as head coach from 2001 to 2010. During this time, he honed his coaching skills and built a reputation for excellence.
Reflecting on his time at Saint Benedict’s, Hurley stated, “It was where I learned the foundations of coaching and developed my passion for the game.”
In 2010, Hurley moved on to Wagner College, where he spent two seasons as head coach. His coaching prowess was evident as he led the team to a remarkable 25-6 win-loss record during the 2011-2012 season, setting a new school record.
Looking back on his tenure at Wagner, Hurley remarked, “It was a crucial period in my career where I learned the importance of adaptability and resilience in coaching.”
The pivotal moment in Hurley’s coaching career came in 2012 when he accepted the head coaching position at the University of Rhode Island. Over the next six years, he led the Rhode Island Rams with determination and vision, establishing himself as a respected figure in college basketball coaching circles.
Reflecting on his time at Rhode Island, Hurley shared, “It was a transformative experience that allowed me to grow as a coach and instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance.”
A coaching legacy defined by resilience and triumph
Upon joining UConn, Hurley wasted no time in leaving his mark on the program. His leadership and basketball strategy propelled the UConn men’s basketball team to new heights, culminating in the historic achievement of capturing the fifth NCAA National Championship in program history in 2023, and later repeating in 2024.
Hurley expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “Winning the championship with UConn is a dream come true. It’s a testament to the dedication and resilience of our players and staff.”
Dan Hurley’s coaching journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the game, solidifying his legacy as one of the most accomplished coaches in college basketball.
