Miami's Jim Larrañaga Retires Immediately; Bill Courtney Named Interim Head Coach

Dec 26, 2024, 04:31 PM

Jim Larrañaga, the 75-year-old head coach of the University of Miami men's basketball team, is stepping down effective immediately, as announced on December 26, 2024. Larrañaga, who has won 744 games in his coaching career, informed athletic director Dan Radakovich of his decision on Sunday. Despite the university urging him to reconsider, he finalized his decision on Monday. Associate head coach Bill Courtney, who previously served as head coach at Cornell from 2010 to 2016, will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. A press conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. following a team meeting. Larrañaga is the winningest coach at both George Mason and Miami, leading both programs to their first Final Four appearances—in 2006 and 2023, respectively. Under his leadership, the Hurricanes have reached four Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights, and the historic Final Four run in 2023. However, Miami has struggled this season with a 4-8 record, including recent home losses. The university has expressed its commitment to investing in the men's basketball program and is considering how Larrañaga can remain involved with the team. Radakovich emphasized that Larrañaga's decision was wholly his own.