Dan Hurley Reveals Why He Turned Down Lakers Job
When Dan Hurley, the uber-successful head coach of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team, was approached for the high-profile head coaching job with the Los Angeles Lakers, it seemed like a match made in heaven. The Lakers, a team with a rich history and a desire to add another NBA championship banner to their rafters, were looking for the perfect candidate to lead them to victory. And Hurley, with his impressive track record and coaching prowess, seemed like the perfect fit.
But to the surprise of many, Hurley turned down the opportunity to coach the Lakers. This decision left many wondering why he would pass up such a prestigious and lucrative job. In a recent interview, Hurley revealed the reasons behind his decision, and it’s clear that his priorities and values played a significant role.
First and foremost, Hurley’s commitment to his current team and players was a major factor in his decision. He has been the head coach at UConn for just two years, but in that short time, he has already made a significant impact. Under his leadership, the team has shown tremendous improvement and has become a force to be reckoned with in the college basketball world. Hurley didn’t want to abandon his players and the program he had worked so hard to build.
In his interview, Hurley stated, “I have a great job here at UConn, and I love what I do. I have a group of players who are like family to me, and I couldn’t just walk away from them. They have put their trust in me, and I want to see it through and continue to build this program into something special.”
This statement speaks volumes about Hurley’s character and his dedication to his team. It’s clear that he values loyalty and is not willing to abandon his players for personal gain. This decision has earned him even more respect and admiration from his players and the UConn community.
Another reason Hurley turned down the Lakers job was his desire to continue building something special at UConn. He sees the potential in the program and is determined to take it to new heights. The opportunity to coach a team with such a storied history and a bright future was too enticing for Hurley to pass up.
“I believe in what we are building here at UConn, and I want to see it through. I have a vision for this program, and I want to be a part of its success. I know that we have the potential to be a top program in the country, and I am committed to making that happen,” Hurley explained.
It’s clear that Hurley is not afraid of a challenge and is determined to leave a lasting legacy at UConn. He sees the potential for greatness, and he wants to be a part of it. This kind of passion and drive is what makes Hurley a highly sought-after coach and a perfect fit for the Lakers.
Finally, Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn was also influenced by his family. His wife and children have become an integral part of the UConn community, and Hurley didn’t want to uproot them and move across the country. He values his family’s happiness and well-being above all else, and this played a significant role in his decision.
“My family is happy here, and that’s important to me. I didn’t want to disrupt their lives and move them to a new city. I want to be able to spend time with them and watch my children grow up. That’s something I couldn’t do if I took the Lakers job,” Hurley shared.
It’s heartwarming to see a coach who values his family and puts them first. This kind of dedication and love for his family is a testament to Hurley’s character and makes him an even more admirable figure.
In the end, while it may have seemed like a match made in heaven, Dan Hurley’s decision to turn down the Lakers job was a testament to his loyalty, determination, and love for his family. He has shown that he is not just a great coach, but also a great human being. And while the Lakers may have missed out on a top coaching prospect, UConn and its players are fortunate to have a coach who is truly committed to their success and well-being.
So, as we eagerly wait to see what the future holds for Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies, one thing
