Dan Hurley to become next head coach at UConn

SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Scott Gleeson looks at five teams that have made improbable runs to the second weekend of March Madness. USA TODAY Sports

After an apparent bidding war among at least three schools, Dan Hurley has agreed to become the next head coach at UConn, the school confirmed in a tweet Thursday morning.

A person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports that Hurley will sign a six-year deal with the Huskies. The person was granted anonymity because details of the contract had not yet been made public.

ESPN reported that the former Rhode Island coach chose UConn despite a more lucrative offer from Pittsburgh.

Hurley, 45, has posted a 113-82 overall record as the head coach at Rhode Island, including consecutive NCAA tournament appearances — and NCAA tournament wins. After upsetting No. 6 seed Creighton in the first round of last year's tournament, Hurley's squad squeaked past Oklahoma and presumptive first-round draft pick Trae Young in the first round this season. The Rams lost to Duke, 87-62, in the second round last weekend.

Hurley will replace Kevin Ollie, who was fired earlier this month. He is the son of Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley, and his brother, Bobby, is currently the head coach at Arizona State.

The Republican-American first reported the news of Hurley's pending hire Wednesday night.

MORE: March Madness: Thursday's NCAA tournament Sweet 16 schedule

MORE: USA TODAY Sports' expert picks for NCAA tournament Sweet 16 games

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