An unexpected turn of events is starting to lose its shock value: No less than two head men’s college basketball coaches have resigned. During the 14th season in Coral Gables, Florida, Jim Larrañaga, the most successful head coach in program history for the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team, has decided to stand down from his post. His choice is surprising because he guided Miami to its first-ever men’s Final Four appearance less than two years ago.
His abrupt resignation mirrors that of Tony Bennett, who resigned as head coach at Virginia before the season began for similar reasons.
This season, the Hurricanes have a 4-8 record; last year, they finished 15-17. Bill Courtney will serve as head coach in a temporary leadership role.
Jim Larranaga Steps Down
Florida Marlins sports director Dan Radakovich stated that Larrañaga approached him on Sunday to inquire about the possibility of his resignation. By Monday, the decision had been settled. During his tenure at Miami, Larrañaga guided the Hurricanes to six NCAA tournaments, four of which were to the Sweet Sixteen. Their first appearance in the Elite Eight was in 2022, and they reached their first Final Four in 2023. The 2013 ACC tournament championship was also Miami’s first under his direction.
According to basketball picks experts, Larrañaga spent 14 seasons at George Mason before moving to Miami. In 2006, George Mason made an unbelievable journey to the Final Four as the No. 11 seed while playing for the mid-major. Before that, Larrañaga was Bowling Green’s head coach.
Eight players from Larrañaga’s Final Four squad decided to use the transfer site on Thursday, even though they expressed satisfaction with their stay in Miami. There was money to be made elsewhere, he said.
