Kentucky can scratch UConn's Dan Hurley off of its head-coaching wish list.
Per The Athletic's Kyle Tucker, Hurley said, "No way" when asked whether he would consider taking the Kentucky job.
Tucker noted Kentucky has deep pockets and could outbid UConn if it tried to match or surpass a potential offer. John Calipari — who recently left for Arkansas — made $9M per year while serving as the Wildcats HC. Hurley, meanwhile, made $5M this season after he signed a six-year deal in June.
While the money could be alluring, Hurley explained trying to win a third consecutive national title with the Huskies is too special to pass up.
"The last thing I'm thinking about is another place," Hurley told Tucker. "We're in a position right now to be back-to-back in an era that makes it tough to do it. Now you're thinking in your brain, as I look at that locker room, I'd like the chance to do it three times. A dynasty in modern times. That's what I'm thinking about."
247 Sports rates Kentucky's 2024 recruiting class as the second-best in the country behind Duke, but that could change. In the last nine NBA Drafts, Calipari has had 14 players selected in the first round. This is one reason recruits may follow him to Arkansas.
"Calipari's track record speaks for itself," five-star small forward Karter Knox told Yahoo Sports' Krysten Peek. "We're all trying to get to the league and just following in my brother's (Utah Jazz forward Kevin) footsteps; I knew coach Cal was the right coach for me."
It makes sense for Hurley to stay at a program that doesn't require a potential reboot.
Don't be surprised if the Wildcats turn to Baylor HC Scott Drew instead. People close to Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart told The Athletic the former national champion would be his No. 1 choice whenever the job became available.
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