MIAMI – University of Miami basketball coach Jim Larrañaga announced his resignation Tuesday, less than two years after leading the Hurricanes to their historic first Final Four appearance.
“I’m exhausted and I’ve tried every which way to keep this going,” said Larrañaga at his press conference. “What shocked me beyond belief was after we made it to the Final Four just 18 months ago, the first time I met with the players, eight of them decided they were gonna put their name in the (transfer) portal. The opportunity to make money some place else created a situation that you have to begin to ask yourself, ‘What is this all about?’”
Larrañaga will be replaced by assistant head coach Bill Courtney — one of Larrañaga’s best friends for the past three decades or so — for the rest of the season.
Larrañaga’s decision comes amid a challenging stretch for the Hurricanes, who fell to 4-8 this season following a recent overtime loss to Mount St. Mary’s.
The team has struggled, losing 18 of its last 22 games, including a 10-game skid to close out the 2023 season. Miami’s overhauled roster for 2024, featuring 10 new players, has faced significant growing pains.
Larrañaga, 75, leaves behind a storied tenure with Miami, highlighted by the program’s historic Final Four run in 2023. He also led the team to four sweet 16 and two elite eights in the March Madness NCAA Tournament.
Local 10 viewers will be able to watch the press conference in the video below.
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Kudos to Coach L for a glorious career here (4 Sweets 16s, two elite eights, one final four). This will be a very attractive job. Michelle with good perspective in her scoop here. https://t.co/R9PGFAnQ6d
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 26, 2024