UConn head coach Dan Hurley has been leading the Huskies for the past five seasons. He helped lead the team to national championships in 2023 and 2024, but this past season had a disappointing second-round exit from March Madness. Following his 2024 championship, Hurley was reportedly offered a $70 million contract to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
Hurley turned down the contract offer and, shortly after, signed a contract extension with the UConn Huskies that is worth $50 million over six years. It will keep him as the head coach of the team through the 2029-30 season.
After this past NBA season, Tom Thibodeau was fired as the head coach of the New York Knicks, despite reaching the Eastern Conference Final. On Thursday, Hurley sat down for an interview with insider Jon Rothstein and was asked if he would have a “deja vu type situation” after Thibideau’s firing.
“No, not even a small part of me. I think when you’re coming off a year that we had, I think you know, every thought, and it’s hard to turn off, I think for most of us that are coaching at the level that I’m coaching at, at this level of sport,” Dan Hurley said. “Your mind very rarely drifts from your team, your program, your players, where things are headed. Especially when you’re coming off of, you know, a season like we had had. That was never even a thought.”
After turning down the Lakers job in 2024, Dan Hurley never thought about going to the NBA when the Knicks parted ways with Tom Thibodeau.
🎧 https://t.co/c9JLel2QnF (Apple)
🎧 https://t.co/EsZxIkca32 (Spotify) pic.twitter.com/hNHZXyZtP7— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 14, 2025
Dan Hurley Believes the UConn Huskies Are Ready for Another Strong Year
Dan Hurley and the Huskies had a disappointing season, losing in the second round of March Madness. However, it was to the future national champion Florida Gators. Regardless, the Huskies were coming off two straight national championships, so losing in the second round was not something they were happy with.
After practice last week, Hurley spoke with the media. He spoke about his expectations next season and thinks the team will have a better year. Notably, he believes that Tarris Reed Jr. will have a big impact.
Read More:
- “Trying To Fit In Before I Stand Out”: Dan Hurley’s SEC Transfer Portal Recruit Sends Clear Message On Leading Huskies
- Analyst Names Dan Hurley’s Assistant Coach Who Can Become Secret Weapon For UConn
- UConn Huskies Basketball Transfer Portal: Full List of Players Entering and Exiting
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