Miami Honors Coach Jim Larrañaga with Retirement Banner

UPDATE: The University of Miami has just honored retired coach Jim Larrañaga by unveiling a commemorative banner that now hangs from the rafters of the Watsco Center. This heartfelt tribute occurred during a pregame ceremony on Tuesday night before the Hurricanes faced off against Florida State.

The banner prominently displays Larrañaga’s name and title, along with the years he served as head coach from 2011 to 2024. The ceremony was a poignant moment for fans and players alike, celebrating a storied career that includes guiding Miami to the Final Four in 2023, and securing six NCAA tournament appearances during his tenure.

In a bittersweet turn of events, the Hurricanes lost the game 65-63, overshadowing the evening’s festivities. Larrañaga unexpectedly retired in December 2024, concluding a remarkable 14-year run at Miami as part of a 41-year college coaching career where he achieved an impressive 744 wins across multiple institutions, including American International, George Mason, and Bowling Green.

During the ceremony, a moment of silence was held for Bill Courtney, Larrañaga’s longtime assistant and close friend, who passed away unexpectedly last week. Courtney, who was appointed as Larrañaga’s successor, completed the 2024-25 season before moving on to a coaching role at Temple.

Fans and players expressed their gratitude for Larrañaga’s contributions, which include winning 274 games at Miami, four trips to the Sweet 16, two Elite Eight appearances, and two Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season titles. His legacy as a transformative figure in the program is firmly cemented.

As Miami continues its season, the impact of Larrañaga’s coaching and the tribute will resonate deeply within the community. For now, the focus remains on how the team will adjust and move forward after this significant moment in their history.

This developing story highlights the emotional connection between the coach and the university, setting the stage for future events as Miami seeks to honor its past while building for the future.