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[Saba Sports News] UConn will receive significant compensation if head coach Dan Hurley departs for the Los Angeles Lakers. Eben Novy-Williams of Sportico reported that Hurley’s contract includes a clause requiring him to pay UConn $1.875 million in “liquidated damages” if he takes an NBA job.
Hurley signed a six-year, $32.1 million extension with UConn in June 2023. The liquidated damages amount decreases over time, dropping from $2.5 million to $1.875 million on April 1, 2024, and further reducing each subsequent year until it reaches zero in 2028.
Hurley, 51, faces similar fees for leaving to coach another NCAA team, with the current amount set at $7.5 million.
Having led UConn to back-to-back national championships, Hurley is reportedly undecided about the Lakers job. While the $1.875 million fee is manageable for Hurley, especially with a potential lucrative contract from the Lakers, the clause ensures UConn will receive restitution if he leaves. The university has already been linked to two possible replacements.