Why Dan Hurley Rejected Lakers' Massive $70 Million Offer to Return to UConn

Dan Hurley - San Diego State v Connecticut
(Photo : Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies reacts against the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at TD Garden on March 28, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Los Angeles Lakers' search for a head coach continues.

The team failed to lure UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley to the pros, as he decided to stay with the two-time defending national champions. 

The 51-year-old coach cited that he couldn't pass up the opportunity to make history by aiming for a third consecutive NCAA title, per league insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Even before discussions with the purple-and-gold franchise, Hurley was also amid negotiations regarding an offer from UConn to become one of the highest-paid NCAA head coaches. 

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The Lakers ultimately offered a six-year contract worth $70 million, which would have netted him an average of $11.6 million per year, making him the sixth highest-paid coach in the league had he accepted it.

Lakers to continue head coach search

The Lakers are still searching for someone to succeed Darvin Ham, who recently accepted a job to return to the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant to Doc Rivers.

The Lakers intend to shift their attention to other candidates, with former player JJ Redick and New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego remaining among the potential coaches under consideration. 

Borrego has reportedly completed interviews with the Lakers, and they are now likely to schedule their first official interview with Redick despite having already engaged in informal talks. 

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