Dan Hurley has reaffirmed his commitment to UConn while hinting at one possible job that could force him to leave the Huskies “down the line.” The 53-year-old has been the UConn head coach since 2018.
Hurley has enjoyed a glittering college basketball coaching career, winning two NCAA Tournament titles. The 2024 Naismith Coach of the Year is now preparing for his third national championship game in four years with UConn.
Dan Hurley Discusses the One Job That Could Pull Him Away From UConn
After spearheading UConn to a 71-62 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, Hurley was asked about reports linking him with the vacant UNC job. When asked by Jeff Goodman of the “Field of 68” whether he might consider coaching the Tar Heels or possibly using the links as leverage for a new contract, he said:
“I don’t want more years,” Hurley said. “I mean, I don’t think I ever want a contract more than five years. I don’t know how many years I’m at now. I’m a UConn coach to the end. Maybe the NBA someday down the line. But, yeah, no, I’m a UConn coach.”
Dan Hurley on whether he would consider the UNC opening. pic.twitter.com/mqC7A8wqr5
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 5, 2026
Hurley has previously been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers head coach job and even interviewed for the role in June 2024. But he ultimately decided to stay with the Huskies.
According to ESPN, he turned down a six-year, $70 million offer from the Lakers. The Lakers went on to appoint JJ Redick as head coach.
“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,” he said in a statement at the time.
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Last year, the Huskies missed out on a three-peat, losing to the eventual champions, the Florida Gators, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. But they have the opportunity to win a third title in four years on Monday when they face the Michigan Wolverines in the championship game.
Hurley began his collegiate head-coaching career at Wagner in 2010 before moving to Rhode Island in 2012. After six years with the Rams, he was named the head coach at UConn. He has an overall record of 199-74 as the head coach of the UConn Huskies, with a 72.9% win percentage.
