After much back and forth, UConn basketball coach Dan Hurley made his decision to stay with the Huskies and turn down the chance to become the Los Angeles Lakers head coach. The opportunity for a three-peat as well as comfortability in Storrs likely played a major factor.

On Monday, Hurley commented on his decision to stay with UConn in a statement (h/t UConn basketball).

“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 and the UConn basketball team should enter the 2024-2025 season as one of the favorites to win it all again, so Hurley has to feel good heading into next season.

The Huskies have won back-to-back national titles, so Hurley leaving to go to the NBA as a first-time head coach with all of the pressure about the Lakers would’ve been a tough fit. The Lakers reportedly offered Hurley a six-year deal worth $70 million, but he chose to remain at UConn and is focused on trying to win another national title.

Dan Hurley set for new payday after staying at UConn
Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley celebrates after winning the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Stadium.

© Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Hurley’s resume at UConn is impressive by all means. As a result, it sure looks as if he is in line for a new paycheck and contract coming soon. Hurley reportedly was offered a six-year deal worth $50 million by UConn, so things could ramp up in the coming weeks after Hurley’s decision to stay in town.

Hurley began his head coaching career at Wagner and Rhode Island before coming to UConn. In six seasons with the Huskies, he has a 141-58 record with four NCAA Tournament trips and a pair of national titles.

While the appeal to go to the NBA might have been enticing, it wasn’t enough to have Hurley packing his bags, which was much to the displeasure of Lakers fans but to the excitement of UConn fans.

So, after days of drama and rumors, Dan Hurley is staying put as the UConn basketball head coach and ready to improve the team in the coming months.