LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers will continue their search for a new coach.
Dan Hurley, who coached the Connecticut Huskies to back-to-back NCAA men's basketball championships, was offered a multi-year deal by the Lakers but turned it down to stay in the college ranks. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news.
BREAKING: Connecticut’s Dan Hurley has turned down the Los Angeles Lakers’ six-year, $70 million offer and will return to chase a third straight national title, sources tell ESPN. LA would’ve made him one of NBA’s six highest paid coaches. pic.twitter.com/hEXo3o00SR
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2024
As swept away as Hurley became by the Lakers courtship and vision for him, he ultimately couldn't walk away from a chance to make history and pursue a third straight NCAA title. Even before Lakers talks, Hurley already had a UConn offer to become one of highest paid NCAA coaches…
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2024
According to ESPN, Hurley said that the Lakers made a "compelling case" and was left "extremely impressed" after conversations with general manager Rob Pelinka and governor Jeanie Buss. But in the end, Hurley decided to go after a third straight NCAA title with the Huskies.
It was reported that Hurley had been in the forefront of the Lakers’ search since the beginning of the process. There were other reports that mentioned that JJ Redick would end up becoming the coach.
But now it's back to square one. Who ends up with the Lakers head coaching gig is anyone's guess.
Will it be Redick? Will it be James Borrego? Is there another secret candidate that had also been in the forefront since the start of this search?