UConn's Dan Hurley Dismisses Knicks HC Buzz After Thibs Firing, 2024 Lakers Rumors

After being embroiled in rumors regarding the Los Angeles Lakers' head coaching position a year ago, UConn head coach Dan Hurley won't let that happen again this time around.

According to Dom Amore of the Hartford Courant, Hurley quickly ended any speculation that he would be a candidate for the New York Knicks' head coaching position following Tuesday's firing of Tom Thibodeau, telling reporters, "Not another summer of that."

The Lakers aggressively pursued Hurley throughout the early part of last offseason, but they ultimately hired JJ Redick as head coach after Hurley turned down their six-year, $70 million offer and chose to remain with the Huskies. He was hoping to lead the team to a third straight national championship, but UConn's run in the NCAA tournament came to an end in the round of 32.

Hurley said he's focused on helping the Huskies return to national title contention next season, as he's already begun putting the team through some workouts.

"Two days into practice, not everyone is on campus, but we’re thrilled with the way we’ve been able to put it together," Hurley said. "Keeping the critical sophomore class together, keeping A.K (Alex Karaban), Tarris (Reed Jr.), too, those were big for us and then to address point guard in a major way, a big need area."

The Knicks went 51-31 and finished in third place in the Eastern Conference as Thibodeau guided them to their first conference finals appearance since 2000. Unfortunately, New York's magical run ended in six games against the rival Indiana Pacers, leading the franchise to make a swift decision to part ways with Thibodeau.

It's not clear who the Knicks are eyeing to be Thibodeau's replacement, but it sounds like Hurley's name should be scratched off their list of potential candidates.