Hurley, URI Announce Contract Extension

Release courtesy the University of Rhode Island Athletic Department.

The University of Rhode Island and head coach Dan Hurley have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him at the school through at least the 2019-20 season. 

Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn, University officials, and representatives for Hurley have been working on finalizing the details for the past week.

"This is a huge statement to our student-athletes, our program, and the many dedicated fans of Rhode Island basketball.  I thank President David Dooley and Thorr Bjorn for their support, trust, and shared commitment to the future success of our program," Hurley said.  "We will work harder than ever to make everyone proud to be associated with Rhode Island basketball."

The new deal adds two additional years to Hurley's original contract, but primarily focuses on several program changes and enhancements for the student-athletes.

"I am excited to take this next step with Dan Hurley and our men's basketball program.  Dan brings incredible passion and integrity to URI and has put his heart and soul into building a championship program," Bjorn said.  "I am grateful to President David Dooley for his help, guidance, and support as we move not only our basketball program, but all of our athletics programs forward.  Our future is extremely bright and I am thrilled to be part of such a great institution with great students, student-athletes, fans, friends, and alums."

"Dan is a coach who 'Thinks Big' and sets high standards for his players  - on the court, in the classroom, and across the campus," Dooley said.  "We are delighted that he will be an important part of the URI community for years to come."

Hurley was hired as the 19th men's basketball coach in URI history on March 21, 2012.  His arrival in Kingston at the time was widely regarded as the top hire in the country by ESPN.com and CBSSports.com. 

This past season, Hurley and his staff secured one of the top recruiting classes among non-BCS schools and two of the top-rated recruits - E.C. Matthews and Hassan Martin - in the Atlantic 10.