The ACC has already seen a Hall of Fame coach retire. Today, it was announced that another would follow him into retirement.

End Of An Era

Jim Larrañaga officially announced Thursday that he would step down from the University of Miami’s Basketball team. Larrañaga’s representatives and the University of Miami negotiated a financial settlement which led to the University’s press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Larrañaga and his family discussed his potential decision over the holidays and eventually came to the conclusion that it was in his best interest to retire. The Hurricanes held a record of 4-8 when he retired. Miami’s associate head coach Bill Courtney will be the Hurricanes’ interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Larrañaga said in his press conference on Thursday: “After more than fifty years in college coaching, it is simply time.” Larrañaga added, “There is never a great moment to step away, but I owe it to our student-athletes, staff, and the University of Miami to make this move now when my heart is no longer in the game. I owe it to Liz, Jay, Jon, and my grandchildren to be a greater part of their lives.”

Hall Of Fame Resume

The interpretation of the Hall of Fame is in the eyes of the beholder. However, Larrañaga has an impressive resume to back it up. He has been named the Associated Press, Naismith, USBWA, and Henry Iba National Coach of the Year. A 2x ACC (2013, 2016) and CAA (1999, 2011) Coach of the Year. 2x ACC regular season title (2013, 2023) and 1x ACC Tournament Champion (2013). 4x CAA regular season title (1999, 2000, 2006, 2011) and 3x CAA Tournament Champion (1999, 2001, 2008). 2x NCAA Final Four appearances (2006, 2023), 3x NCAA Elite Eight appearances (2006, 2022, 2023), and 5x NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearances (2006, 2013, 2016, 2022, 2023).

Larrañaga corraled an overall record of 274-174 at the University of Miami. He is the only coach in NCAA history to win 100-plus conference games at three Division I schools (Bowling Green, George Mason, Miami). He is currently ranked sixth on the NCAA’s list of winningest DI coaches.

Final Thoughts

That is now the second ACC coach to step down within a matter of two months. Both, in my opinion, are Hall of Famers. Tony Bennett and Jim Larrañaga attributed the retirements mostly to the ever-changing landscape of college basketball, more specifically the transfer portal.

I knew this transfer portal thing would be a huge issue to college athletics, I just didn’t think it would take all of these Hall of Fame coaches out of the game so soon. Even in football coaches are starting to go because of the landscape.

We wish Coach Larrañaga the best in his retirement!

Read More College Sports News From Stadium Rant Here: College Sports News