Miami men’s basketball coach Jim Larranaga announced his retirement on Thursday, citing the challenges of navigating the new landscape of college basketball with the transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) payments. The 75-year-old coach expressed frustration with the lack of transparency over NIL payments, which he believes has created a professional mentality that undermines the sport’s values.
Larranaga, who led Miami to the Final Four in 2023, becomes the latest high-profile coach to retire amidst the changes to college basketball. He leaves behind a program that was ravaged by player departures due to the transfer portal and NIL payments.
The coach’s decision comes as the sport continues to grapple with the implications of NIL payments on college athletics. Larranaga’s concerns echo those of other coaches who have retired in recent years, including Tony Bennett, Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams, and Jay Wright.
In a statement, Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich said that the university is committed to investing in men’s basketball and prioritizing it within the department. The Hurricanes will look to find an interim replacement for Larranaga, with associate head coach Bill Courtney taking over in an interim basis.
Larranaga’s departure marks a significant loss for Miami, which has struggled on the court this season, currently sitting at 4-8. His legacy as one of the winningest coaches in program history will be remembered by the university and his players.
Source: https://www.nj.com/sports/2024/12/high-profile-acc-basketball-coach-becomes-latest-to-retire.html