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Quick Bytes
- Dan Hurley declines a $70 million offer to become the Lakers’ head coach, staying with UConn.
- Hurley values the control and impact he has in college basketball over the uncertainties of the NBA.
- Despite a lucrative offer, Hurley admits a higher, unspecified amount might have swayed his decision.
UConn’s Dan Hurley Turns Down Lakers’ Coaching Offer
The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a new head coach continues as Dan Hurley opts to remain with UConn, even after a substantial $70 million contract offer. Hurley, who has led UConn to consecutive national championships, prioritizes the autonomy and influence he holds in the college sphere over a potential NBA career.
In a conversation with John Fanta of Fox Sports, Hurley expressed his belief that while he could have collaborated effectively with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, the level of control and success he enjoys at UConn was too significant to give up. The NBA head coaching role, especially with a high-profile team like the Lakers, comes with intense pressure and a demand for immediate results, leading to a typically short tenure for many coaches.
Hurley acknowledges the security and legacy that comes with being a top college coach, a sentiment shared by legendary figures such as Mike Krzyzewski and John Wooden, who chose to remain in college basketball. While admitting that an even higher offer from the Lakers might have convinced him to leave UConn, Hurley remains committed to the value he finds in his current position and the life he has built for his family.
