PROVIDENCE – Dan Hurley, now the former coach of the University of Rhode Island men’s basketball team, has been named the head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies, the university’s men’s basketball team, UConn Athletic Director David Benedict announced Thursday.
Hurley received a six-year deal with a $2.75 million compensation in the first year of the deal. Hurley had previously signed a an extension with URI that has been reported to have given him a $1 million yearly salary, making him the highest paid state employee.
Beyond Cash Donations: How New Forms of Giving Are Transforming Not-for-Profit Accounting
Evolving Funding Landscape for Not-for-Profits Not-for-profit organizations are being asked to do more with less,…
Learn More
After two losing seasons, Benedict fired former Huskies coach Kevin Ollie an began pursuing Hurley, landing him with a six-year contract with roughly $18 million, according to the Hartford Courant.
ESPN reported that URI offered Hurley $2 million per year for seven years beginning in July 2019, with a commitment to build a basketball-only practice facility to be completed within the next two years, along with staff salary increases and the ability to have charter flights for all away games.
Hurley’s contract as coach of the URI Rams expired at the end of the season, which ended last week with an 87-62 loss to Duke University in the single-elimination 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, also known as March Madness.
Hurley had an overall record of 113-82 in six seasons with the Rams, according to URI, which ranks him fifth in wins in Rhode Island history.
“Dan Hurley brought Rhode Island basketball to unprecedented heights, and he leaves the program in a far better place than it was when he arrived,” URI Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn said in a statement. “I wish nothing but the best for him and his family moving forward.”
The URI Athletics department said that a national search for the next head coach will begin immediately.
“I am honored and excited to become the head coach of the UConn men’s basketball program, and I would like to thank President Herbst and David Benedict for this tremendous opportunity,” Hurley said in a statement. “This program, which is part of one of the top public universities in the country, has a championship history and wonderful support from a passionate fan base. I look forward to continuing this proud tradition.”
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
