UConn head coach Dan Hurley is back in the spotlight after addressing his NBA ambitions, nearly a year removed from his big decision. In 2024, Hurley turned down the Los Angeles Lakers’ six-year, $70 million offer to remain with the Huskies, a program he had led to consecutive national championships. Speaking publicly, Hurley clarified what that choice means for his future in college and professional basketball.
UConn’s Dan Hurley Breaks Silence on His NBA Coaching Future
Hurley, the coach who guided UConn to consecutive national championships in 2023 and 2024, has spoken openly about his decision to remain in college basketball rather than pursue the NBA.
Appearing on CBS Sports’ “Inside College Basketball Now,” Hurley was pressed on whether he still sees professional coaching as part of his future after turning down the Lakers’ six-year, $70 million offer last year. His response made clear where he stands.
“Yeah, I’m pretty convinced that I’ll be a college coach to the end,” Hurley said. “It’s not really, you know, obviously it’s hard to predict the future, but just in terms of where I’m most effective, you know, kind of the age range, the amount of control that you have over your fate as a college coach.”
While he acknowledged the unpredictability of the transfer portal, NIL rules, and shifting NCAA regulations, Hurley still finds greater stability in the college game.
“As crazy as the portal is, as crazy as it’s gotten with NIL, as chaotic as it is, not knowing whether players are going to get a fifth year or not when it’s basically October, and not knowing about potential rule changes, it’s chaotic. But I still think you’ve got greater control,” he explained.
Hurley pointed to UConn’s unique culture as a reason for staying.
“You can change lives. You go to UConn and you hit it right as a coach or a player. It’s a life-changing place,” he said.
The 52-year-old added that he hopes his career will end where it began to thrive:
“Hopefully I’m able to coach my last game and then walk off of Gample or… People’s Bank Arena.”
MORE: Dan Hurley Reveals How Rejecting $70M Lakers Job Affected Relationship With UConn Team Last Year
When asked whether he ever regretted declining the Lakers once their roster took shape, Hurley admitted to only fleeting moments of second thoughts.
“Maybe when I was in Maui, when I was melting down in Maui having a volcanic explosion, right? Maybe briefly there. And maybe when the weather got bad in Connecticut and it was snowy and icy and dark at 4:00, and I wish I was in SoCal,” he joked.
Still, Hurley reinforced his belief that his strengths fit college basketball better.
“I think for me, my strength is leading an organization and setting a tone and standard, and holding everyone, my staff, my players to that standard every single day,” he said. “I think as a college coach, you’re actually allowed to coach and drive the organization and drive the team and set the standard. I’m not sure if you’re afforded that same responsibility as an NBA coach.”
After rejecting the Lakers ‘ offer, Hurley signed a six-year, $50 million extension with UConn. His Huskies went 68-11 during their two-title run and posted a 24-11 record last season. Overall, he holds a 165-69 mark in Storrs.