The Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching search hit a roadblock as Dan Hurley, head coach of the UConn Huskies, declined their substantial offer to take the team’s reins. Despite a lucrative six-year, $70 million contract, Hurley chose to stay with UConn, where he has led the team to back-to-back national championships.

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

Patriotic beachwear for freedom lovers! Shop now and get 10% off with code RB10. Vet & LEO-founded.

Hurley, 51, admired the Lakers’ organization, praising owner Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka for their compelling case. The UConn coach met with the Los Angeles Lakers last Friday and attended a Billy Joel concert at MSG with his wife Andrea and UConn assistant Luke Murray on Saturday night. However, by Monday, he decided to remain at UConn.

This decision follows the Lakers’ firing of Darvin Ham after just two seasons, the latest in a series of coaching changes since Phil Jackson retired after the 2010-11 season. Ham’s tenure saw the Lakers eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs this year.

Initially, reports indicated that the Lakers were targeting ESPN NBA analyst JJ Redick, who has no professional coaching experience. Redick, who co-hosts a podcast with Lakers star LeBron James, was viewed as a potential stabilizing presence on the bench.

As the Lakers’ coaching search continues, the franchise remains focused on finding a leader capable of returning stability and success to one of the NBA’s most storied teams.