Dan Hurley Breaks Silence as Knicks Start Coaching Search
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The New York Knicks will conduct their first head coaching search for the first time in five years.
More NBA news: Knicks Coaching Search Heats Up as Top Candidates Are Revealed
The Knicks shocked the NBA world on Tuesday after they shockingly fired head coach Tom Thibodeau. Now, their search for their 32nd head coach in franchise history is underway, but it won't involve two-time NCAA championship coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies.
Hulrey put the rumors to bed, telling Dan Amore of the Hartford Courant.
"Not another summer of that," Hurley said Tuesday night.
Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies calls out instructions in the first half against the Florida Gators in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lenovo Center on March...
Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies calls out instructions in the first half against the Florida Gators in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lenovo Center on March 23, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. More
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Although Hurley did not give a definitive 'no', the door may still be open. However, as things stand, it is safe to say that Hurley has no interest in making the jump from the college game to the NBA.
Last summer, it seemed that would be the case. Former NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski noted how the Los Angeles Lakers were vigorously pursuing Hurley.
Hurley was the overwhelming favorite for a few days before ultimately turning down the opportunity to chase a third straight NCAA championship with the Huskies. At the time, many saw Hurley's decision as a major loss for the Lakers, believing the front office had "settled" for current Lakers head coach, JJ Redick.
The 52-year-old head coach is expected to remain in the Northeast and finish out his current deal. Hurley clearly has a deep love for the college game, and those around the UConn program aren't stressing over the idea of him leaving.
According to UConn sources, there's little concern about Hurley jumping ship for the bright lights of New York. He inked a six-year, $50 million extension last summer, locking him in through the 2029 season.
Currently, Hurley earns $5.3 million per year with the Huskies. Last summer, the Lakers came calling with a massive offer — reportedly around $11.6 million annually — but even that hasn't shaken UConn's confidence in keeping their guy.
If the Knicks are serious about landing Hurley, they may need to sweeten the pot—possibly by adding a few more zeros to the deal. Right now, New York stands alone in the head coaching market after the Suns filled their vacancy Wednesday morning by hiring Jordan Ott.
With no direct competition, the Knicks have the luxury of taking their time and running a deliberate, detailed search. They want to nail this hire, and if Hurley is truly their guy, they've got the window to go all-in and make a compelling push to bring him to Broadway.
More NBA news: Knicks Release Statement on Sudden Firing of HC Tom Thibodeau
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