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Earlier this week, Miami Men’s Basketball coach Jim Larrañaga became the latest head coach of a major college program to step down. Tony Bennett resigned from his position at Virginia before the start of the regular season.
Despite being the winningest head coach in program history, Larrañaga abruptly ended his 14th season in Miami, at least in part due to name, picture and occasion (NIL) in varsity sports.
During a press conference announcing his retirement on December 26, Larrañaga, 75, said the battle with the transfer portal and the NIL had left him “exhausted”.
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Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga speaks to the media, announcing his retirement at the Watsco Center on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Coral Gables, Florida. (DA Varela/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“At this point, after 53 years, I just didn’t feel … that I could successfully manage this whole new world that I was dealing with,” Larrañaga told reporters, referring to the NIL.
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“There is one thing you must constantly ask yourself: Will you give everything you have, the commitment it deserves, 100% of yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually?” Larrañaga added. “And, frankly, I’ve tried to do that throughout my life and my time here, but I’m exhausted.”
Head coach Jim Larrañaga of the Miami Hurricanes during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 10, 2024 in New York. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Although it has been less than two years since Larrañaga coached the Hurricanes Final FourMiami was 4-8 when he decided to retire. Miami finished the 2023-24 season with a 15-17 record.
Aide Bill Courtney he was chosen to temporarily take over the job of head coach.
Watsco Center on the University of Miami campus on October 30, 2024 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
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Under Larrañaga, Miami qualified for the NCAA Tournament six times, advancing to the Sweet 16 four times. The Hurricanes also advanced to the program’s first Elite Eight in 2022 and the Final Four in 2023.
Miami won the 2013 ACC Tournament title.
Prior to taking the Miami job, Larrañaga spent 14 seasons at George Mason. He led the mid-major program to a shocking Final Four appearance in 2006.
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