Dan Hurley had an opportunity of several people’s lifetimes in June of last year. That is when the University of Connecticut coach was offered the Los Angeles Lakers’ head coaching job.
The Lakers were ready to sign Hurley to a contract that would’ve paid him $70 million over six years. But he decided to remain back East rather than come out to Southern California. Instead, the Lakers hired JJ Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter who had been a broadcaster and podcaster but had never been a coach at either the pro or college levels.
Purple and Gold fans have dissed Hurley for turning down the opportunity, especially after his Huskies failed in their bid for a third straight men’s NCAA championship this spring. He went on “The Zach Lowe Show” and reflected on the criticism he has received, as well as the job he turned down.
“A majority of it is Lakers fans direct messaging you that you’re the biggest moron, look how stupid you are,” Hurley said. “… I’m sure they’ll respond to this, but I would say while we’re not having the season that I thought I was going to have at UConn, now that trade goes down, and yeah, I mean you’re getting a lot of those messages.
“But then your mind also probably goes there a little bit like, ‘Man, you could have coached LeBron [James[ and Luka [Doncic] on the same team.'”
It would’ve been a major adjustment for Hurley, as his intense and overly enthusiastic coaching style likely wouldn’t have worked in the NBA. But there is also the chance that he could’ve excelled in the league, especially given the players he would’ve coached.
He recently said that his father, legendary New Jersey high school basketball coach Bob Hurley, wanted him to say yes to the Lakers.
As it turned out, L.A. went 50-32 and claimed the third seed in the Western Conference last season under Redick, despite having to build chemistry on the fly during the second half of the season with a different-looking roster following the February trade for Doncic. As training camp for the 2025-26 season approaches, the Lakers’ roster looks better, but it remains to be seen if they have what it takes to become true championship contenders in what could be James’ final season with them.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Dan Hurley reflects on turning down Lakers’ head coaching job
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
