Jim Larrañaga resigns in Miami, quotes NIL: ‘I’m exhausted’

CNN
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A A move that once seemed shocking is becoming less shocking: Another men’s college basketball head coach is leaving.

Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball head coach Jim Larrañaga – the winningest head coach in program history – has resigned from his position midway through his 14th season in Coral Gables, Florida. His decision comes less than two years after he led Miami to its first men’s Final Four.

His reasons for his sudden departure are reminiscent of former head coach Tony Bennett, who resigned from Virginia before the start of the season.

“At that point, after 53 years, I just didn’t feel like I could successfully navigate this whole new world that I was dealing with,” Larrañaga said, citing name, image and likeness Deals (NIL) told reporters in a press conference on Thursday.

The Hurricanes’ record is currently 4:8; last season they were 15:17. Assistant coach Bill Courtney was named interim head coach.

“One thing you have to constantly ask yourself: Are you going to give everything you have, the commitment it deserves, 100% of yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually?” said Larrañaga, 75. “And honestly, I I’ve tried to do that all my life and all my time here. but I’m exhausted.”

Miami athletics director Dan Radakovich said Larrañaga came to him Sunday and told him he wanted to talk about retiring. The decision was finalized on Monday.

“Like all of us in intercollegiate athletics, there is so much uncertainty,” Radakovich said. “Changing the rules. Name, Image and Likeness Requirements for Agents. Unlimited transfers etc. In these changing times you can keep going. All of this takes so much time, effort and energy away from the actual coaching.”

During his time in Miami, Larrañaga led the Hurricanes to six NCAA Tournaments, including four trips to the Sweet Sixteen, their first Elite Eight (2022) and their first Final Four (2023). He also led Miami to its first ACC Tournament title (2013).

He came to Miami after 14 seasons at George Mason, where Larrañaga led the mid-major to the Final Four in 2006 with a Cinderella run as a No. 11 seed. Larrañaga was also the head coach at Bowling Green.

On Thursday, Larrañaga spoke about how eight players from his Final Four team decided to enter their names in the transfer portal even though they said they enjoyed their time in Miami. He referred to their opportunity to make money elsewhere.

“As a coach you have to ask yourself: What is it about? And the answer is that it has become professional,” he said.