UConn's Dan Hurley Asked MSU's Tom Izzo for Advice on Lakers HC Job in 2024

When UConn head coach Dan Hurley was offered the head coaching position with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024, he sought out advice from one of college basketball's legends.

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo revealed that he spoke with Hurley after the Lakers offered him a six-year, $70 million contract.

"I told him to seriously look at it because I could see where college basketball was going," Izzo told the Associated Press on Monday. "But I said, I would hate to lose him because I think he's all that is right about college basketball. He cares about the kids. He cares about the game. He has to care about the game because of his dad."

Hurley is the son of Bob Hurley Sr., who won more than two dozen state championships at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey.

In the end, Hurley opted to remain with UConn despite the lucrative offer from the Lakers. Izzo had been in his shoes before, as he previously turned down offers to make the jump to the NBA from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks.

Now, the two friends will face off in the 2026 NCAA Tournament when Izzo leads third-seeded Michigan State against Hurley and No. 2 UConn in the Sweet 16 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Friday. Hurley spoke about his affinity for the Spartans head coach after the Huskies' win over UCLA on Sunday.

"He's one of the greatest to ever do it," Hurley told TNT following his team's 73-57 victory. "He's always been my most-respected coach that I've tried to model myself after at the college level. I love coach Izzo."

Friday's matchup between UConn and Michigan State will be one of the most exciting games of the NCAA Tournament as two of the greatest minds in college basketball go at it.