Dan Hurley turned down $70 million from the Lakers. Now, nearly a year later, the UConn coach is opening up about whether he still wants to chase his NBA dreams. His answer might surprise fans who thought he’d eventually make the jump to the pros.
Why Did Dan Hurley Choose UConn Over the NBA Again?
The coach who led UConn to back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024Â recently got candid about his professional future during an appearance on CBS Sports’ “Inside College Basketball Now.”
When asked directly whether coaching in the NBA remains something he’d like to pursue following his Lakers experience, Hurley’s response showed exactly where his heart lies.
“I love college,” Hurley said. He acknowledged the different responsibilities at both levels but made it clear that his strengths align better with the collegiate game than professional basketball.
“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,” Hurley explained.
But it was what came next that showed his priorities.
“So I think the impact that I can have that way at the college level, the impact you can have on 18, 19, 22 year old lives, and the legacy for me piece, you know, the opportunity to continue to chase championships here, both in the Big East and trying to get back in position to potentially win a third.”
Hurley didn’t completely shut the door on professional opportunities. He mentioned the possibility of coaching in the EuroLeague when he’s around 60 years old. However, his focus remains firmly planted at UConn for the foreseeable future rather than chasing immediate NBA dreams.
The intensity of his current situation leaves little room for outside distractions. Given UConn’s successful run in recent years, Hurley said his thoughts center entirely on his players and the program’s future. That laser focus on his team makes NBA speculation feel irrelevant right now.
What Makes Hurley’s UConn Contract So Appealing?
His commitment to the Huskies was solidified with a six-year, $50 million contract extension signed in July 2024. The deal runs through the 2029-30 season and includes performance incentives plus substantial retention bonuses totaling $1 million annually.
Interestingly, the contract structure allows Hurley flexibility to pursue NBA opportunities without buyout penalties after the 2026-27 season. Despite this built-in escape clause, his recent comments suggest he’s completely content building something special in Connecticut.
Hurley drew parallels to former Villanova coach Jay Wright, who also passed on NBA opportunities because he loved his situation at Villanova and didn’t want to leave it. That comparison shows how rare it is for successful college coaches to find situations they genuinely don’t want to abandon.
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“I generally don’t drive home and think about like how much I love UConn,” Hurley admitted when discussing his daily mindset. However, he acknowledged that deeper reflection does happen during quieter moments. That’s when the full impact of his UConn experience really hits him.
“But I think when you do have those moments where you reflect on how much it’s meant to your life, like how coming to UConn as an opportunity for me to challenge myself, when you’re sitting on the beach in Spring Lake and you’re listening to some music, I think you’ll reflect on like, that UConn has changed my life in a way that you’ll never coach anywhere else.”
Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn after turning down the Lakers shows his belief that college basketball offers the perfect platform for his coaching style, championship aspirations, and long-term legacy goals. While the NBA door isn’t completely closed, it’s clear he’s found something special in Storrs that money alone couldn’t replace.
