UConn head coach Dan Hurley has been involved in multiple conversations regarding a potential move to the NBA. However, he has chosen to remain in the college ranks, where he has built his reputation among the elite.
Recently, he had the opportunity to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers after leading his college program to back-to-back championships. At that time, the Lakers had finished the season with a 47-35 record and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
That outcome led to the dismissal of head coach Darvin Ham from the team led by LeBron James and, at the time, Anthony Davis. Rumors quickly surfaced that the organization was targeting Dan Hurley to make the jump to the professional level.
What they did not anticipate was Hurley declining the offer. As a result, the franchise shifted its focus to JJ Redick, who ultimately became the new head coach of LeBron James and company.
Details behind why Dan Hurley rejected the Lakers
In recent days, the reasons behind Dan Hurley’s decision not to take over the Lakers have come to light. At present, UConn is among the top eight teams in March Madness 2026 and is set to face the Duke Blue Devils this Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Regarding his decision to turn down the Lakers, Hurley explained during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show why he chose not to accept the offer from one of the most iconic franchises in the NBA.
He stated that he sought advice from his friend and rival, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo.
Coach Izzo, he walked me through just, you know, his thought process when he went through, like, you know, the decision-making of making that move to the NBA and the pros and cons.
Izzo himself has received numerous offers from NBA teams over the years to take on a coaching role, including from franchises such as:
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Atlanta Hawks
The point that coach had made to me was you know, hey, I think you really got to consider our sport right now.”…”You know it’s so unregulated. It’s such a mess. Coach has been there for me on lots of different things you know and I’ve studied coach for a long time like I have all the great coaches taking advice from all [them].
Hurley added. And in comments to AP, Izzo echoed what Hurley had previously expressed.
I told him to seriously look at it because I could see where college basketball was going.”…”But I said, I would hate to lose him because I think he’s all that is right about college basketball. He cares about the kids. He cares about the game. He has to care about the game because of his dad.
According to various reports, the offer presented to Hurley by the Lakers was valued at six years and $70 million, a figure that ultimately was not enough to lure him away from the college game.
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