UConn assistants may seek head coaching positions

UConn basketball coach Dan Hurley has managed to keep his assistants, Kimani Young and Luke Murray, for two seasons despite their success. Winning back-to-back championships usually attracts offers from other schools. Young has been with Hurley since 2018, and Murray joined in 2021, bringing fresh ideas to the offense. Hurley admits he is surprised they are still with him. He expects they might get offers soon because their skills are highly valued. Both assistants are well-compensated and signed three-year contracts last July, so they may not rush to leave their secure positions. Currently, there are 30 coaching changes in Division I, and more are likely as schools look to fill vacancies. Young is seen as a candidate for the Fordham job, but the question remains whether that would be the right fit for him. Bigger programs like Iowa and Minnesota are also looking for new coaches. Hurley acknowledges the coaching landscape has shifted. High expectations and quick fixes are now the norm, partly due to the influence of the transfer portal and NIL deals. Coaches face pressure to build winning teams almost immediately. Hurley believes this might make schools treat college coaches like NBA coaches, who often have short tenures. With recent changes and many openings, it remains to be seen if Young or Murray will take the leap into head coaching roles. They are both talented and qualified, but the current environment poses risks.