Dan Hurley turned down a $70 million offer from the Los Angeles Lakers to stay with UConn for a third national title.
Hurley had previously coached against LeBron James in high school and received his support during an exploratory trip to Los Angeles.
Hurley's decision was not made as leverage but due to his strong connection with UConn and commitment to the team.
UConn has become the first team since Florida in 2006 to win back-to-back NCAA titles.
Dan Hurley, the head coach of UConn men's basketball team, recently turned down a lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers to coach them. The six-year, $70 million contract was reportedly rejected not as a leverage play but due to Hurley's strong connection with UConn and his commitment to the team. Hurley had already agreed to new terms with UConn before receiving the Lakers offer.
The decision came after much consideration and deliberation. In an interview on 'The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz,' Hurley acknowledged that it was a difficult choice between leading UConn to a third consecutive national title or joining one of the NBA's most storied franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Hurley had previously coached against LeBron James in high school and received his support during the exploratory trip to Los Angeles. The two exchanged text messages over the weekend, with James expressing his admiration for Hurley's basketball acumen and offering encouragement.
Despite the temptation of coaching an NBA team, Hurley ultimately decided to stay at UConn. His commitment to the Huskies and their quest for another national championship proved stronger than any offer from the Lakers.
UConn has become the first team since Florida in 2006 and '07 to win back-to-back NCAA titles, making Hurley's decision even more significant. The university will make him the highest-paid college coach in America with his new contract.
Dan Hurley had already agreed to the terms of a new deal with UConn before declining the Lakers’ offer.
Hurley engaged in a text exchange with LeBron James during his consideration of the Lakers’ job offer.
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One of the worst takes I've heard is that this is a leverage play by me to improve my situation at UConn.
The two-time national championship-winning coach said he had already agreed to the terms of a new deal with UConn before he declined the Lakers' offer.
Hurley reiterated that he was not entertaining the Lakers as some sort of "pressure tactic" and that he was already due to become the highest-paid college basketball coach.
