Dan Hurley has decided to remain at the University of Connecticut, turning down an offer to coach the Los Angeles Lakers.
This decision ends days of speculation and confirms that Dan Hurley will attempt to lead the Huskies to a third consecutive NCAA title.
“Our MVP Coach is staying in CT,” Governor Ned Lamont announced on social media.
ESPN first broke the news of Hurley’s decision on Monday. They had also reported last week that Hurley had become a strong candidate for the Lakers position. Hurley met with Lakers officials on Friday and spent the weekend considering his options.
It appears Hurley will be handsomely rewarded for his loyalty to UConn. Just before the ESPN report, Governor Lamont, who had been in contact with Hurley over the weekend, stated that the state would ensure Hurley becomes the highest-paid college coach if he stays with the Huskies.
Our MVP Coach is staying in CT. Now let’s get ready for a #3peat, because Connecticut knows champions are built here! 🏆 #UConnNation https://t.co/KY3tDcJmoX
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) June 10, 2024
UConn’s initial response was a post featuring an image of Hurley with his hands raised and an announcement that the team’s 2 p.m. practice was in progress. Assistant coach Luke Murray, who has been with Hurley at Wagner, Seton Hall, and UConn, shared a video of Hurley celebrating a national title, suggesting that Hurley’s decision was cause for celebration.
“Now let’s get ready for a #3peat, because Connecticut knows champions are built here!” Lamont wrote.
Hurley had the chance to lead one of the most storied franchises in professional sports and coach NBA all-time scoring leader LeBron James. However, he chose to remain at UConn, where he has achieved a 68-11 record over the past two championship-winning seasons.
Under Hurley’s fiery leadership, the Huskies have dominated, going 12-0 in NCAA tournament games with an average winning margin of 21.7 points. UConn will attempt to become the second program to win three consecutive men’s national titles, following UCLA’s seven straight championships from 1967 to 1973.
“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. We met as a team before today’s workout and our focus right now is getting better this summer and connecting as a team as we continue to pursue championships,” Hurley said.