Miami Hurricanes men's basketball head coaching job called ‘extremely coveted’ with Jim Larrañaga set to step down | Sporting News

With the expected departure of Miami Hurricanes mens basketball coach Jim Larranaga on Thursday (per ESPN's Pete Thamel), speculation is already swirling about who will take over the reins in Coral Gables.

Larranaga, who turned 75 in October, has been at the helm of Miami basketball since 2011.

In his 14 seasons, he led the Hurricanes to unprecedented success, including six NCAA tournament appearances, four Sweet 16s, and a memorable Final Four run in 2023.

The 2022-23 campaign marked the pinnacle of his tenure, with Miami capturing the ACC regular-season title and advancing to the programs first-ever Final Four.

The Hurricanes defeated No.

4 seed Indiana, No.

1 seed Houston, and No.

2 seed Texas before falling to eventual champion UConn.

However, since that historic season, Miami has struggled to regain its footing.

The Hurricanes missed the postseason entirely in 2023-24 after a 15-17 finish, which included a 10-game losing streak to close the season.

This year, the struggles have continued, with Miami sitting at 4-8 and losing eight of its last nine games.

Disappointing home losses to Charleston Southern and Mount St.

Marys have left the team near the bottom of the ACC standings at 0-1 in conference play.

The teams performance has been particularly frustrating given the talent on the roster, including Jalil Bethea, the programs highest-ranked recruit in nearly 40 years.

Bethea, however, has started just one game this season.

Veteran assistant Bill Courtney is expected to step in as interim coach , according to ESPNs Pete Thamel.

Meanwhile, Miamis athletic director, Dan Radakovich, faces the daunting task of finding a long-term replacement for Larranaga.

CBS Sports Jon Rothstein has already called the position extremely coveted, citing the programs potential in the NIL and transfer portal era.

The Miami job will be extremely coveted this spring when vacancies are being filled, Rothstein said .

An incredible place to live, an attractive destination in the Transfer Portal/NIL era, and incredible upward mobility in the current state of the ACC.

Larranagas impact on Miami basketball cannot be overstated.

He leaves with a record of 274-174 at Miami and a career mark of 716-483, including notable stints at Bowling Green and George Mason, where he led the Patriots to a Cinderella Final Four run in 2006.

His retirement marks the end of an era for Hurricanes basketball and the ACC, as he becomes the sixth longtime conference coach to step down since 2021.

Miamis program, now entering a new chapter, remains a prime destination in college basketball.

All eyes will be on who Radakovich taps to guide the Hurricanes back to prominence..

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