A two-year contract extension for head coach Jim Larranaga through the 2025-26 season that was announced on Wednesday will provide the Miami basketball program with stability. Larranaga is 22-139 in 11 years at Miami and recently set the all-time win record in the history of the Miami basketball program.
After three straight losing seasons, Miami is on the verge of its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2018. The Hurricanes had to overcome being implicated in the Adidas scandal in 2017 before being absolved of any wrongdoing. Miami being mentioned as part of the scandal cost the Hurricanes two recruiting classes.
Miami signed the 19th Class in 2022. The Hurricanes are adding much-needed size with all four 2022 signees 6’6 or taller. Larranaga being signed through 2022 will help Miami recruit into the future. This could be the last contract for Larranaga at age 72. Miami will have a big turnover after this season.
The Hurricanes lose four seniors and third-year sophomore Isaiah Wong is expected to enter the NBA Draft. Miami is building a good foundation for the future with a 23-9 record entering the ACC Tournament. Expect Larranaga to continue to add players through the transfer portal. Miami could lose its five leading scorers after this season.
No one else we'd rather have at the helm.
— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) March 9, 2022
Coach Larrañaga has signed a contract extension through 2025-26.
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Third-year sophomore Anthony Walker has been solid off the bench averaging 5.1 points per game and 2.5 rebounds this season. Miami should have guard Harlond Beverly returning in 2022-23 after sitting out 2021-22 with a back injury. Freshman guard Bensley Joseph has also provided meaningful minutes off the bench.
No terms of the contract were disclosed. Miami does not have to release the salaries of its coaches as a private school. Larranaga will have coached 15 years at Miami and 42 years as a college head coach overall by the end of the contract. Miami has turned the program around this season.
The patience that the Miami administration had in Larranaga is being rewarded with the successful 2021-22 season. In response, Larranaga received the four-year contract extension. Miami has returned to the level Larranaga has set since he arrived in Coral Gables. More NCAA Tournament berths should be in Miami’s future.