UConn Coach Dan Hurley to Receive Record Salary After Rejecting Lakers Offer

UConn‘s beloved basketball coach, Dan Hurley, has elected to remain with the university despite a tempting offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, as confirmed by state officials.

Speaker of the House, Matt Ritter, expressed his satisfaction with Hurley’s decision, emphasizing that UConn’s athletic department made the necessary efforts to retain the coach.

Although the specifics of Hurley’s new contract are yet to be disclosed, Governor Ned Lamont hinted that the renowned coach is likely to become the highest-paid college coach in the nation, potentially doubling his current $5 million annual salary to $10 million.

While the exact source of funding for Hurley’s upgraded salary remains undisclosed, Lamont suggested that UConn would tap into the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to facilitate the substantial raise.

UConn Athletics, a significant contributor to the state’s economy, self-generated approximately 60% of its budget in 2023, with the remaining 40% originating from the university’s budget, primarily funded by state tax dollars.

Celebrations over Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn come amid ongoing budget deliberations between UConn and the legislature, as the university is projected to face a $29.2 million deficit next year, possibly alleviated by the financial boost Hurley’s extension would bring.

The legislature recently approved nearly $700 million for UConn projects, including upgrades to Gampel Pavilion and the XL Center, underscoring their commitment to the flagship university.