It's no secret that UConn basketball head coach Dan Hurley has reached the mountaintop of the college game. That's why it makes sense that he's looking at even greener pastures in Los Angeles despite having the best gig in the NCAA.
If Hurley does go to the Lakers, it leaves the Huskies in a precarious position, via Fox Sports' John Fanta.
“Hurley making the move to Los Angeles would send off a ripple effect that is unprecedented for this time of year,” Fanta said. “If Hurley leaves, it would open a 30-day window for UConn players to enter the transfer portal if they'd like to, something that seems unfathomable for a national championship-contending program.”
With Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle declaring for the NBA Draft, it would be inconvenient for UConn to have even more roster turnover. However, Hurley's replacement will most likely not be as established, which could be enough to scare important players away.
“The key debate, sources tell FOX Sports, would be whether associate head coach Kimani Young or assistant coach Luke Murray, the son of Hollywood legend Bill Murray, is given the job,” Fanta continued. “Based on what I have heard, it looks like whoever wouldn't get elevated would join Hurley in the NBA — especially if Murray is not named head coach, he would follow Hurley to L.A. — thus giving that person a nice concession prize and the opportunity to land a head coaching job down the road.”
Should the Huskies promote internally, or should they look outside of the program?
An internal coach would be highly familiar with UConn basketball
A key aspect of this situation is the unusual timing. While the Huskies' head coaching role is currently the best job in the country, it's uncommon for an upper-echelon coach to change programs at this time of year. Fanta named Auburn's Bruce Pearl, Rutgers' Steve Pikiell, and Seton Hall's Shaheen Hollaway as ideal candidates. However, it'll be tough to pray them away from their jobs with the season just five months away.
Conversely, it may be an easier sell for players to stay if they at least have a history with the replacement coach.
“Both Murray and Young have been in the running for other head coaching jobs and could have taken one by now, but their salaries at UConn and the comfort level of being on staff for a heavyweight program has kept them in Storrs,” Fanta continued. “Young has been an outstanding recruiter, and his stock has elevated as each year passes, given his roster-building ability and his continual evolution in every other area. Murray has been documented as the man behind Hurley's offensive design, with an elite-level knowledge of X's and O's and a tireless work ethic. ”
Both Young and Murray's commitment to the program, as well as their roles in building it up to its current dynastic status, should buy them plenty of respect in the locker room if either one were to take the mantle.
Meanwhile, Hurley will cash out if he moves out west. The Lakers' offer is reportedly north of $100 million, via CT Insider. However, the 51-year-old's entire family structure is based in the northeast, so it may be tough to convince his wife and kids to move to La La Land.
If Hurley does leave, it'd undoubtedly be a setback for UConn, but not a crippling one. Young and/or Murray would have to learn on the fly, but they have a strong foundation of assistant experience to lean on.
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