Former UConn star Donovan Clingan reacts to HC Dan Hurley's 6-year, $50 million contract extension

On Tuesday, the UConn Huskies announced that coach Dan Hurley has signed a six-year contract extension worth $50 million. This comes after Hurley turned down the $70 million offer from the Los Angeles Lakers for their vacant head coach position. JJ Redick has since been selected.

Reacting to the news on Instagram, Hurley's former player, Donovan Clingan, reposted the news on his story with a one-word message:

"Legend."

Screenshot of Donovan Clingan's story (Credit: Instagram/@donovanclingan)

Clingan played a crucial role in UConn's title win last season as he averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.5 blocks per contest. He is now set to play for the Portland Trail Blazers after he was selected No. 7 at the 2024 NBA Draft.

Dan Hurley released a statement after the signing where he said:

"It's an honor to coach basketball at UConn and to represent this world class institution and the great state of Connecticut. We are extremely proud of the championship program that we have rebuilt for our supporters and fans. We will continue to obsessively pursue championships and historic success, while continuing to develop great young men. Bleed Blue!"

Dan Hurley's base salary in the new contract is $400,000 per year along with $6.375 million for speaking, consulting and media obligations for the 2024-25 season. This number is set to increase year-on-year and by the time the contract ends in 2030, Hurley will receive $7.45 million. With this, Dan Hurley becomes the second-highest-paid coach in college basketball after Bill Self.

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Dan Hurley pushed Donovan Clingan to declare for the 2024 NBA draft

After winning two back-to-back NCAA championships, the UConn Huskies are en route to win a third. This would make them the second school after the UCLA Bruins to achieve a three-peat.

During a chat with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles on the "Knuckleheads Podcast," Donovan Clingan revealed that he wanted to return for another year and win a third title. However, Dan Hurley convinced him otherwise.

"I went into Coach Hurley’s office, and I was like, ‘Yo coach, I’ll come back. I’ll go for another one.’ He’s like ‘You’re out of your mind, bro. Get the hell out of here.’ And I guess I had to go," Clingan said.

"It was probably like four days after we had won the title, but you know I was sad. I didn’t want to leave that place. I love UConn, Coach Hurley, the staff, the people around me and my teammates. Every time I walk in that building, it’s home. I went back twice last week, and I still feel like I’m part of the team," Clingan added.

Along with Clingan, Stephon Castle also joined the NBA after just one year at Storrs. Alex Karaban is the only championship-winning starter on the roster now, with Aidan Mahaney and Tarris Reed Jr. joining from the transfer portal.

What do you think of Dan Hurley's contract extension? Do you think the Huskies can repeat a title win? Let us know in the comment section below.