Dan Hurley, the accomplished UConn Huskies coach, is on the brink of deciding whether to take the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Hurley is set to make his final decision on Monday. Despite Hurley’s recent emergence as a candidate in public discourse, he has reportedly been the Lakers’ top target from the start.
Hurley’s Coaching Journey
Hurley’s coaching trajectory is remarkable. Starting at the high school level from 2001 to 2010, he moved to college coaching, taking head roles at Wagner, Rhode Island, and UConn. His success at UConn, including back-to-back national championships, has positioned him as a prime candidate for the Lakers, who hope he can build a long-term winning program in Hollywood.
College Coaches Transitioning to the NBA
Transitioning from college to the NBA has historically been challenging. While coaches like Brad Stevens and Billy Donovan have found success, many struggle to adjust. The only coach to win championships at both levels is Larry Brown. According to CBS Sports, first-time NBA coaches from college have a combined record of 1,483-1,797 over the past 30 years.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ Influence
LeBron James has expressed strong support for Hurley, praising his creativity and coaching skills. As James nears 40, his agent, Rich Paul, emphasized the importance of aligning the new coach with Anthony Davis’ timeline for long-term success. Ensuring both stars are satisfied with the hire is crucial for the Lakers, giving Hurley a runway to adapt to the NBA.
Financial Commitment and Expectations
The Lakers are reportedly prepared to make Hurley one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA, reflecting their commitment to securing his services. Hurley’s current contract at UConn is worth $32.1 million over six years, a relatively modest figure compared to top NBA coaching salaries. This willingness to invest signifies the Lakers’ high expectations for Hurley to lead the team through the end of James’ era and beyond.
The Coaching Landscape
The Lakers’ deliberate approach to this hire has kept their interest in Dan Hurley under wraps. Other candidates, including ESPN broadcaster JJ Redick and New Orleans Pelicans‘ James Borrego, are awaiting Hurley’s decision. Redick, in particular, has been viewed as a frontrunner, drawing comparisons to a “Pat Riley-like coaching prospect.”
Conclusion
By Monday night, the Lakers will know if Hurley will accept their offer. If he does, he faces the challenge of transitioning to the NBA, managing the team’s high expectations, and guiding the Lakers to sustained success. The decision marks a pivotal moment for both Hurley and the Lakers, as they aim to secure a coach capable of building a lasting legacy.
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