For a coach chasing history, distractions are part of the territory. As UConn eyes another national championship, Dan Hurley has once again found himself surrounded by exit rumors. This time, the Huskies coach has also hinted at a possible NBA future.
Along with several coaches including his next opponent, Dusty May, Hurley has been linked to the UNC coaching job per ESPN. Ahead of UConn’s game against Michigan, he addressed the speculation.
“I’m the UConn coach until the end,” Hurley said while speaking to Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman. While it may seem unlikely for him to leave a dominant Connecticut program for a struggling North Carolina team, the 53-year-old did acknowledge his long-term aspirations at the professional level.
Hurley said, “Maybe the NBA someday down the line.” Despite reaffirming his commitment to UConn, his mention of the NBA suggests that his ambitions may eventually extend beyond the college game. He notably turned down the Lakers’ $70 million offer in 2024 before the team hired JJ Redick.
Before making that decision, Hurley consulted Tom Izzo and other veteran coaches. One of his primary motivations was pursuing a three-peat with UConn, which ultimately fell short. However, he is now just one win away from securing his third national championship in four years.
Hurley’s recent comments indicate that his NBA aspirations remain alive. A victory on Monday could reignite speculation across the league, potentially opening the door for future opportunities at the next level.
