Jim Larrañaga, the all-time winningest coach in Miami basketball history, stepped down on Thursday, ending a decorated 39-season head coaching tenure in the Division One ranks. Former Cornell coach Bill Courtney will take over as interim HC.
Larrañaga, who turned 75 in October, has been a long-time staple in the college basketball coaching industry. He started his D1 HC career at Bowling Green before spending 14 seasons at George Mason, leading the Patriots to the Final Four as an 11 seed in 2006.
He took over the reins in Coral Gables in 2011, notably leading the Hurricanes to the Final Final in 2023 after reaching the Elite Eight in 2022. In his 14 seasons in the Sunshine State, he amassed 274 wins, making him the all-time winningest coach in Miami basketball history.
744 wins. Two Final Fours. 2X ACC Coach of the Year. Larrañaga’s legendary run is irreplaceable despite Miami’s struggles over the past two seasons.
Now Miami, a school with little tradition outside of the Larrañaga era, yet equipped with a luxurious sum of NIL resources, is tasked with finding a new coach for next season. There’s no question that Miami is an attractive job. And now it gets a head start in the coaching carousel with Larrañaga’s abrupt retirement. Take a look at five candidates to replace Larrañaga.
HM: Chris Caputo, George Washington Revolutionaries
Chris Caputo hails directly from the Jim Larrañaga coaching tree. He spent time at George Mason from 2005-2011 and Miami from 2011 to 2022. If Larrañaga has any say in the coaching search, it’s likely this can be the name that comes up.
Caputo doesn’t necessarily have a shiny win-loss record but he does have the Revolutionaries sitting at 11-2 on the season. However, its NCOS is ranked dead last in KenPom. But if George Washington can rattle off 10+ wins in A10 play, his name may be worthy of a look.
Will Wade, McNeese Cowboys
For as long as Will Wade is at McNeese continuously pumping talent out of the Southland, his name will be floated around until (or if) he lands another P5 gig. Will Wade has amassed a career .688-win percentage and has won at every stop. But he comes with a price: Baggage.
Wade was fired at LSU after finding himself in hot water regarding NCAA Violations. According to the AP, Wade currently has a two-year show-cause ending in June 2025, meaning he cannot perform on-campus recruiting. This is notable due to the 2025 spring evaluation period.
Whether Wade’s murky past is enough to move forward in Coral Gables, this is a name to watch out for. He can win. But he will come with a price.
