All that’s left now is the press conference and official introduction. After 14 seasons at George Mason, a stint highlighted by the Patriots’ famous Final Four run in 2005-06, Jim Larranaga has decided to accept the position of head coach for the University of Miami’s basketball team. The move was confirmed to the Washington Post by GMU’s Athletic Director Tom O’Connor Friday morning.
Jim Larranga To Miami Confirmed By George Mason’s AD
“Jim called me this morning to say that he’s accepting the job at Miami,” O’Connor said. “We’ve had good conversations in the last month. I respect Jim as a coach and a person. He’s done great things for the university and the basketball program. If this is something he wanted then it’s great for Jim. We know have to move on.”
Larranaga, 61, will take over for Frank Haith, who guided the Hurricanes to an overall record of 118-89 in the past seven seasons, but just one NCAA tournament appearance.
While in Fairfax with the Patriots, Coach L led Mason to three three Colonial Athletic Association championships, five NCAA tournaments and a 273-164 overall record. In 2010-11, the Patriots matched the program record for wins in a season, going 27-7.
CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish has reported that Larranaga’s deal will be worth more than $1 million annually; at Mason, he earned between $525,000 and $700,000.
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