Dan Hurley's big decision: Lakers or UConn? 06.06.2024

Dan Hurley's big decision: Lakers or UConn? 06.06.2024
Dan Hurley would owe UConn $1.875 million if he leaves to coach the Los Angeles Lakers, who are reportedly interested in hiring the Naismith College Coach of the Year. However, taking another NCAA job would cost Hurley or his new employer significantly more.
Hurley signed a six-year, $32.1 million contract last year, running through March 2029. The contract, obtained by Sportico, includes two buyout structures: one for NBA jobs and another for NCAA jobs. If Hurley leaves for the NBA, he owes $1.875 million, but for another NCAA job, he owes $7.5 million.
These buyouts protect schools from losing in-demand coaches. Hurley has coached UConn for six years, leading them to four NCAA tournaments and consecutive national championships in 2023 and 2024. It's rare for contracts to distinguish between college and NBA job buyouts, though.
The Lakers are reportedly targeting Hurley, with ESPN mentioning a potential massive, long-term contract offer. NBA coaches' salaries often exceed $10 million, with San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich making $16 million annually.
Hurley's current contract, signed after his first NCAA title, paid him about $4.9 million last year, including bonuses. ESPN reported that the Lakers have made preliminary contact with Hurley, though neither the Lakers nor Hurley have commented.
Earlier this year, Hurley joked about not relocating his New Jersey-native wife, adding that he was focused on winning a third consecutive national title. "I can't afford a divorce right now. I just started making money," he said.
#DanHurley #UConnBasketball #NCAA #CollegeBasketball #NaismithCoachOfTheYear #NationalChampions #BasketballCoach #NBA #LosAngelesLakers #Basketball #Coaching #SportsNews #NCAAChampionship