Connecticut men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley will receive a $500,000 bonus for leading the Huskies to victory over Purdue in the NCAA men’s tournament championship game. This bonus, along with others earned throughout the season, will bring his total bonus earnings to at least $1.8 million for the 2023-24 season. In addition to the monetary bonuses, Hurley also received accolades such as the Naismith national men’s basketball coach of the year award, which came with another $100,000 bonus.
Hurley’s total bonus earnings surpass those of other coaches in the NCAA, including Washington State’s Kyle Smith. His $500,000 bonus for Monday night’s win alone exceeds the total compensation for venerable Vermont coach John Becker for the entire season. Hurley’s $1.8 million total is likely the largest single-season bonus amount for a basketball coach at a public school. USA TODAY Sports has been compiling data on coaches’ bonuses since the 2016-17 season, and Hurley’s total is among the highest recorded, along with Tony Bennett, Rick Barnes, and Roy Williams, who earned $1 million or more in a single season.
Hurley’s bonuses for this season were earned through various achievements, such as winning the Big East Conference regular season championship, the Big East coach of the year award, the Big East tournament title, and reaching success in the NCAA Tournament. These accomplishments, in addition to UConn’s performance in the tournament, have contributed to Hurley’s substantial bonus earnings. His coaching success has also elevated the Huskies to being among the top 10 in the final USA TODAY Coaches poll and/or Associated Press media poll, further adding to his bonus rewards.
In addition to the monetary rewards, achieving academic success is also a factor in determining Hurley’s bonus potential. Last season, Hurley received $775,000 in bonuses, with $175,000 connected to team academic performance. His contract has since been renegotiated to increase his pay and maximum annual bonus total, allowing him to potentially earn up to $2 million in bonuses depending on the team’s academic success. This, combined with his basic annual pay of $5 million, places Hurley among the top-paid men’s basketball coaches according to USA TODAY’s annual survey.
Hurley’s success with the UConn Huskies has been notable, as the team became the first school to win consecutive national men’s titles since Florida in 2006-07. His coaching prowess has been further recognized with awards such as the Naismith national men’s basketball coach of the year. These accomplishments have not only solidified Hurley’s position as a top coach in college basketball but have also resulted in substantial financial rewards, with his total bonus earnings exceeding those of other coaches in the NCAA.
Overall, Dan Hurley’s success as the head coach of the UConn men’s basketball team has led to significant financial rewards, with his total bonus earnings for the season reaching at least $1.8 million. His achievements in winning conference titles, coaching honors, and NCAA Tournament success have all contributed to his bonus earnings, in addition to his team’s academic performance. Hurley’s success as a coach and leader has not only elevated the UConn program but has also positioned him among the top-paid men’s basketball coaches in the country.
