Longtime University of Miami men’s basketball coach Jim Larrañaga announced Thursday that he is stepping down amid his 14th season with the Hurricanes. Larrañaga, 75, was under contract through 2026-27; Miami has appointed veteran assistant Bill Courtney to serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich told reporters that Larrañaga informed the school Sunday that he planned to step down; he was then asked to reconsider the decision, but it was finalized by Monday. Larrañaga said in a news release: “After more than 50 years in college coaching, it is simply time. There is never a great moment to step away, but I owe it to our student-athletes, our staff and the University of Miami to make this move now when my heart is simply no longer in the game and I owe it to Liz, Jay, Jon, and my grandchildren to be a greater part of their lives. The university needs a new leader of the program, one who is both adept at and embracing of the new world of intercollegiate athletics. It has been the honor of a lifetime to be a part of the Hurricane family and to represent this world-class institution. Most importantly, I have been so blessed to have coached the hundreds of young men who chose to wear the UM jersey and who have gone on to flourish in their respective journeys. I will always be a Cane.”
Larrañaga took over at Miami in 2011; he was named 2013 Naismith College Coach of the Year, and led the Hurricanes to a 274-174 record over the last 14 seasons- including six NCAA tournaments and four Sweet 16 appearances. Miami went 11-6 in NCAA tournament games during Larranaga’s tenure and won two ACC regular-season championships (per ESPN). His departure comes just two seasons after he led the Hurricanes to their first Final Four in school history at the 2023 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament.
The Hurricanes (4-8) started their 2024-25 campaign with three consecutive victories. They then lost eight of their next nine games, including a 78-74 overtime setback to Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday in Coral Gables, Fla.
Over his 39-year Division I coaching career, Larrañaga – who previously coached at Bowling Green and George Mason – owns an overall record of 716-483.
Editorial credit: Barbara Kalbfleisch / Shutterstock.com
