Miami could have competition in their lead coaching search. Five and a half weeks after Jim Larranaga announced his retirement on December 26, Florida State and former Hurricanes' head coach Leonard Hamilton announced he will resign at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Hamilton is 456–290 in 23 seasons at Florida State. Hamilton began his career with a 56–63 record at Oklahoma State from 1986 through 1990. Miami hired Hamilton from Oklahoma State in 1990. Hamilton led Miami to a 144–147 record in 10 seasons that included three NCAA Tournament appearances.
Miami improved in each of their NCAA Tournament appearances under Hamilton. Hamilton took over a Miami basketball program in its sixth season after it was canceled in 1971. Miami made the NCAA Tournament in Hamilton's seventh season and lost in the first round as an 11 seed in 1998.
The Hurricanes lost in the second round as a two-seed in 1999 and advanced to the regional semifinal as a six-seed in 2000. Hamilton left after the 1999-2000 season to accept the head coaching position with the then-Washington Bullets in the NBA.
Look for former Florida State player and current Sacramento Kings assistant Luke Loucks to be heavily involved in the conversations to replace Leonard Hamilton, source told @TheFieldOf68.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) February 3, 2025
Loucks, 34, played for the Seminoles from 2008-12, and is considered a rising star as an…
The decision by Hamilton to resign after the season creates the third head coaching opening in the ACC. Tony Bennett resigned in October and was replaced by interim head coach Ron Sanchez. Virginia will likely hire a new head coach after the season concludes.
Miami will likely face competition from Florida State and Virginia in their search for a new head coach. Florida State alum Luke Loucks will be "heavily involved in the conversations to replace" Hamilton per Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68. There have not been many reports beyond speculation about who could replace Larranaga.
Boston College is another potential opening at the end of the season in the ACC. The Eagles are 10-11 overall and 2-8 in the ACC. Miami should be one of the most coveted jobs. Florida State and Virginia will also be highly coveted. This will be a difficult year to have an open head coaching position.