“It Wasn’t the Right Fit” – Dan Hurley Opens Up on Rejecting Lakers Offer

Dan Hurley, the two-time NCAA championship-winning coach at UConn, has finally addressed his decision to turn down the Los Angeles Lakers’ head coaching offer. In an exclusive interview, Hurley explained why he chose to stay with the Huskies rather than make the leap to the NBA, despite the prestige and financial incentives attached to the Lakers’ proposal.

A Difficult Decision

Hurley was widely reported to be the Lakers’ top target to replace Darvin Ham, and Los Angeles made a strong push to bring him on board. The deal was rumored to be worth six years and $70 million—one of the most lucrative contracts ever offered to a first-time NBA head coach. Despite the appeal of coaching LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Hurley ultimately decided to remain at UConn, where he has built a powerhouse program.

“At the end of the day, it just wasn’t the right fit for me,” Hurley said. “Coaching at UConn is something special, and I feel like there’s still so much more to accomplish here.”

Loyalty to UConn and Unfinished Business

Hurley has transformed UConn into a dominant force in college basketball, leading the team to back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024. His intense coaching style, player development success, and ability to craft winning teams have made him one of the most respected names in the sport.

“I love my players, I love the culture we’ve built, and I love competing at this level,” Hurley said. “The NBA is a dream for a lot of coaches, but this program means everything to me.”

Staying at UConn also means the opportunity to chase history. If Hurley can lead the Huskies to a third consecutive title, he would cement his legacy as one of the greatest college coaches ever.

The Challenge of the NBA

Another factor in Hurley’s decision was the drastic shift in coaching styles between college and the NBA. At UConn, he has full control over recruiting, roster decisions, and the day-to-day development of his players. In the NBA, especially with a team like the Lakers, the dynamics are vastly different.

“The NBA is a different game,” Hurley admitted. “There’s a lot that goes into managing personalities, dealing with front office decisions, and adapting to a completely new environment. I wasn’t sure if that was the right move for me at this point in my career.”

What’s Next for the Lakers?

With Hurley staying put, the Lakers will have to pivot to other candidates. They have already been linked to former NBA coaches like JJ Redick and James Borrego, and they may need to explore other experienced options to fill the role.

As for Hurley, his focus remains on UConn and continuing to build on his recent success. While the NBA door may open again in the future, for now, he’s staying exactly where he believes he belongs.

“UConn is home,” Hurley said. “And I’m excited for what’s ahead.”