UConn gives Dan Hurley new six-year, $32.1 million contract

Jun. 22—UConn has rewarded Dan Hurley for his successful run as head men's basketball coach with a new six-year contract worth $32.1 million.

Athletic director David Benedict announced Thursday that the school has agreed upon terms with Hurley, who guided the program's fifth national championship in April in his fifth season in charge.

Hurley's new contract will run through 2029 and provides an opportunity for "additional compensation in the form of performance-based incentives."

In a released statement, Hurley, 50, thanked his players and staff for "helping to make this climb possible."

"Coaching at the University of Connecticut is an honor and we intend to build on our success as one of the premier programs in college basketball," Hurley said.

Prior to Hurley's arrival in Storrs in 2018, UConn suffered through three straight losing seasons. He returned the program to national prominence, going from 16-17 in his first season to 31-8 and a national title last season. He's led the Huskies to three straight NCAA tournaments and posted a 104-55 record overall. And he helped UConn make a smooth transition from the American Athletic Conference to the Big East in 2020.

He's also excelled in recruiting and player development, adding a top five nationally ranked recruiting class for the upcoming season and helping turn three players — Jordan Hawkins, Andre Jackson and Adama Sanogo — into 2023 NBA draft candidates.

A native of Jersey City and son of Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley, Sr., Hurley tasted success every step in his career, starting with his first head coaching job at St. Benedict Prep in Newark, N.J.

On the college level, Hurley turned losing programs at Wagner and Rhode Island, where he spent two and six seasons, respectively, into winners before moving on to UConn. The Huskies have improved their winning percentage every season under Hurley.

Hurley has been embraced by the UConn fan base.

"The UConn community has welcomed me, my wife Andrea and our boys, Danny and Andrew, from Day One," Hurley said. "Their support has meant the world to us."

Earlier this week, Hurley talked about his coaching journey during the UConn Coaches Road Show in Southington.

In his 13-year coaching career, Hurley owns a 255-160 overall record.

"My coaching and basketball journey, I dealt with a lot of adversity in my career," Hurley said. "I coached high school for nine years and I learned how to be a leader, learned how to be a coach and make a lot of mistakes, I'm sure, along the way.

"And then a low Division I job at Wagner for two years, Rhode Island for six years, and now I'm finally in the Big Show. I feel like I didn't skip any steps as a coach. I've grown a lot through every job and I've had to earn every job.

"And I promise you I'm not going to get lazy after getting that fifth (national championship)."

Benedict is thrilled to have Hurley leading the men's basketball program.

"The work he and his staff have done over the past five years rebuilding our program, which culminated in the Huskies once again reaching the pinnacle of college basketball, has been nothing short of remarkable," Benedict said. "I know all of UConn Nation is ecstatic that Dan will continue to lead this program for the foreseeable future."

UConn's release stated that "salary increases in Coach Hurley's new contract as well as other program investments will be covered through the generosity of donors to the Husky Athletic Fund and increased ticket sales revenue."

g.keefe@theday.com