Jim Larranaga steps down as University of Miami basketball coach
- Jim Larranaga, in his 14th season, has announced his resignation as head coach of the University of Miami men's basketball team.
- The Hurricanes are struggling with a 4-8 record this season and have lost 18 of their last 22 games.
- Larranaga's departure follows his successful leadership that took the team to its first Final Four in 2023.
In the United States, Jim Larranaga has decided to step down as head coach of the University of Miami men's basketball team during his 14th season with the Hurricanes. This announcement comes on December 26, 2024, amidst reports from multiple reliable sources, including the Miami Herald and CBS Sports. At 75 years old, Larranaga had been under contract through the 2026-27 season but faced significant challenges this season. The Hurricanes' performance was subpar, with a record of just 4-8 in the current season and a troubling history of losing 18 of their last 22 games dating back to the previous season. During Larranaga's tenure at Miami, he successfully led the team to its first Final Four appearance in 2023, a significant milestone for the program. His coaching career has spanned about 40 years, and he holds a record of 744-505 overall. Before joining Miami in 2011, Larranaga coached for other institutions, including Bowling Green and George Mason. His 2006 team's Final Four run with George Mason remains a highlight in his career. After Larranaga’s departure, associate head coach Bill Courtney is anticipated to take over the coaching responsibilities for the remainder of the season. Larranaga's stepping down highlights the difficulties experienced by the Hurricanes, particularly in light of the team's inability to maintain consistent performance and win games. The competition in NCAA Division I basketball is intense, and season performance directly affects coaching stability. The Hurricanes began the season with optimism after winning their first three games; however, they rapidly spiraled into a disappointing streak. The loss to Mount St. Mary's, which occurred before the announcement of Larranaga's resignation, appeared to be the tipping point, leading to the end of a 10-game losing streak that plagued the team towards the conclusion of the previous season. This transition period could serve as an opportunity for Miami to regroup and rebuild under new leadership, with Bill Courtney expected to take the helm as interim coach. Miami's next game, following the announcement, is scheduled against Boston College on New Year's Day. This pivotal moment could dictate the future outcomes for the Hurricanes and shape their team's direction moving forward as they adjust to new coaching dynamics and strategies.