UConn extends basketball coach Dan Hurley's contract for $50 million

In a significant development in the world of college basketball, UConn and men's basketball coach Dan Hurley have reached a groundbreaking agreement on a six-year, $50 million contract that will keep him with the team until the 2029-30 season. This lucrative deal, which positions Hurley as one of the highest-paid college coaches in the nation, comes on the heels of his decision to decline a substantial offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. The contract not only includes a base annual salary of $400,000 but also offers additional earnings through performance-based incentives, as outlined in a recent announcement from the university. Hurley's commitment to UConn, where he has amassed an impressive record of 141-58 over six seasons and secured two consecutive NCAA championships, underscores his dedication to the program and its supporters. Despite being courted by other prestigious coaching opportunities, including a potential role at Kentucky, Hurley expressed his pride in coaching at UConn and emphasized his focus on pursuing further success and nurturing young talent within the team. The agreement also features a $1 million annual retention bonus, funded by increased ticket sales revenue and donations from the Husky Athletic Fund. University officials, including UConn President Radenka Maric and Athletic Director David Benedict, lauded Hurley's leadership and the positive impact he has had on the basketball program. Maric hailed Hurley as the nation's premier men's basketball coach and expressed delight in his decision to remain at UConn, highlighting his role in fostering a championship culture and mentoring student-athletes both on and off the court. Benedict commended Hurley and his wife Andrea for their unwavering dedication to rebuilding the program and acknowledged the effort required to sustain its success in the future. Hurley's choice to forego the lucrative offer from the Lakers in favor of continuing his coaching journey at UConn has reverberated throughout the basketball community, with many recognizing the significance of his decision. The new contract signifies a substantial increase from his previous agreement and reflects the university's commitment to supporting Hurley in his pursuit of excellence. As UConn prepares for the upcoming seasons under Hurley's guidance, the focus remains on building upon the championship legacy he has established and further solidifying the program's position as a powerhouse in college basketball.