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Jim Larranaga has stepped down from his role as Miami’s men’s basketball coach after nearly 14 years at the helm.
He made that news official Thursday afternoon after it was reported by multiple outlets earlier in the day. Larranaga is Miami’s all-time winningest coach and brought the program to its first Final Four appearance less than 2 years ago.
His exit leaves the ACC with only 2 active coaches who has been to a Final Four: UNC’s Hubert Davis and NC State’s Kevin Keatts.
Larranaga, 75, has been a college coach at some level since 1971. Other than his time with the Canes, he’s perhaps best known for leading George Mason to the Final Four back in 2006.
“After more than fifty years in college coaching, it is simply time,” Larranaga said in a press release. “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.”
Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich also released a statement as part of the announcement.
“Jim has been a great asset to our Department of Athletics and a great partner to me and to my predecessors,” Radakovich said. “I know that he did not reach this decision lightly or without great reflection. We are so grateful for his many contributions to Miami Athletics over the years and for being such an outstanding ambassador for the University of Miami.”
Radakovich also named Bill Courtney as Miami’s interim head coach for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The Hurricanes will play again on Jan. 1 against Boston College.
Jim Larranaga ends his career with an overall record of 744-508. A program-record 274 of those victories came during his time at Miami.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
