STORRS, Conn. (AP) – UConn’s Dan Hurley, even with a lucrative deal that positions him among the highest-paid college basketball coaches, remains focused on the fundamentals that brought him success in men’s college basketball.
About a month after turning down an offer to coach the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, Hurley signed a six-year, $50 million contract with UConn, extending through the 2029-30 season. The contract includes $6.375 million for the next season in addition to his $400,000 annual base salary.
“It’s not something I obsess over,” Hurley commented on Tuesday. “If anything, I dragged my feet because I didn’t want to look it over or read it or deal with it. We have been so focused on the basketball part, but it is nice that it is over.”
Part of the new contract for the 51-year-old Hurley includes provisions for retaining his assistant coaches and managing the current dynamics of college sports. Hurley acknowledges the significant contributions of Tom Moore, Luke Murray, and Kimani Young to UConn’s consecutive national titles.
“It is hard to put together a staff because there aren’t a lot of people who can work for me, just the intensity of how we go about our business and the way we run our program, it is a different intensity level,” Hurley said. “I am tough on the people who play for me and work for me, I am demanding, so it is always hard for me to find people to hire.”
Hurley also credited UConn’s Director of Athletics, David Benedict, for his continued support and effective management since hiring Hurley.
“Dave is as responsible as any of us for where we are at,” Hurley said. “DB has been a good partner. We have had these conversations about the changing landscape of college basketball, the revenue sharing that is coming down the road here, the TV deals, and being able to take advantage and maximize our brand. Our brand is at the pinnacle of college basketball, and our basketball excellence is here on both sides. How do we take advantage of that to the utmost so we don’t fall behind?
“You want to stay so focused on your work that you can continue to accomplish more and more in your career. He has always gotten it done. He has provided us with the resources and does what we need to do to give us the resources to compete at the top.”
UConn had four starters selected in the recent NBA draft, with Alex Karaban as the only returning starter for the Huskies. Hurley expressed confidence in freshman Liam McNeeley, who is currently dealing with an ankle injury, noting that McNeeley is “as ready as any freshman who has come in.”
Hurley believes the current roster has the potential to compete for a third straight national title.
“We are at a similar talent level to what last season’s group looked like,” Hurley said. “You can see some real potential there.”
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