University of Connecticut men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley, who guided the Huskies to back-to-back national titles, rejected an offer to join the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN and other reports.
He confirmed he was remaining at the program in a statement.
“I am humbled by this entire experience," Hurley said. "At the end of the day, I am extremely proud of the championship culture we have built at Connecticut. We met as a team before today’s workout and our focus right now is on getting better this summer and connecting as a team as we continue to pursue championships.”
UConn athletic director David Benedict said he is "thrilled" Hurley has decided to continue leading the Huskies.
“He has helped return our men’s basketball program back to the pinnacle of the sport, including back-to-back NCAA Championships, and we’re grateful for his loyalty to UConn," he said in a statement. "We look forward to Dan’s continued leadership on and off the court at UConn. He will continue to bring great pride to Husky fans everywhere as we work toward a three-peat."
The Lakers’ heading coaching position, one of the most glamorous and high-profile jobs in North American sports, came open in May when the franchise fired Darvin Ham after two seasons in charge.
Despite having superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Los Angeles was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs this season. The Lakers reached the Western Conference finals the previous year.
While it's rare for college coaches to find success in the NBA, had Hurley taken the job, the Lakers would have secured one of the biggest names in the history of amateur basketball.
Hurley is the brother of Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley, who as a player led Duke to three Final Four appearances and two national championships. Their father is legendary prep coach Bob Hurley Sr., who guided St. Anthony High School of Jersey City to 28 New Jersey state titles.
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