Three reasons Dan Hurley made the right decision to stay at UConn

Despite all of that, Hurley made the right decision to stay. Here are three reasons why:

1. He’s on top at UConn

It’s difficult to get to the top and even harder to stay there, but Hurley somehow did it. When UConn defeated Purdue for the 2024 NCAA national title, Hurley became just the third coach in the post-John Wooden UCLA era to go back-to-back, joining Mike Krzyzewski and Billy Donovan.

Hurley now has the opportunity to go for a third title in a row, something that hasn’t been done since Wooden. Should he accomplish the feat with this batch of Huskies, he will enter into a stratosphere reserved for very few in the history of the game. A departure would have deprived him of that.

2. The Lakers job would only end one way

Six years and $70 million sounds nice, but there’s no guarantee Hurley even makes it six years on the sidelines. The Lakers are already looking for their fourth head coach since James joined the franchise six years ago. 

With the way the franchise has operated with James in town, Hurley might not last long. And if James leaves, it’s most likely time for a rebuild, which means Hurley might not be allowed to see it through.

3. He’s ascending to the college basketball coaches’ throne

Krzyzewski, Roy Williams and Jay Wright recently retired. Tom Izzo, Mark Few and John Calipari are nearing the end of their careers. Hurley is on the fast track to being the face of NCAA basketball and the game’s most powerful voice. 

The role typically comes with massive success on the recruiting trail, big paychecks and more trophies. Translation: more of the same for Hurley.

Sometimes the same is the best. In this case, it surely is for Hurley. Sleep well, Storrs. Your coach is here to stay.