Larranaga leaves George Mason for Miami by The Sports Network

Coral Gables, FL (Sports Network) – Jim Larranaga has agreed to become the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Miami, ending his successful 14-year reign at George Mason.

The school confirmed the decision on Friday afternoon.

“On behalf of the university community, we respect and thank coach [Larranaga] for all he has done for the university as well as the basketball program,” George Mason director of athletics Tom O’Connor said. “We thank him for his contributions and are appreciative that he leaves Mason with the program in great shape heading into the future.”

Larranaga leaves George Mason as the all-time wins leader, going 273-164 over a tenure highlighted by a memorable and surprising Final Four run in 2006. He also has the most wins in Colonial Athletic Association play (182).

The Patriots went 27-7 last season and reached the NCAA Tournament for a fifth time under Larranaga. They won their first game over Villanova before falling to top overall seed Ohio State.

Larranaga, 61, was also head coach at Bowling Green (1986-97) and American International College (1977-79).

Miami was left without a head coach when Frank Haith took the open position at Missouri earlier this month.

“Coach Larranaga is the real deal,” said University of Miami president Donna E. Shalala. “He’s a winner, an inspirational leader, and he cares deeply about his players and staff. We’re delighted to welcome him and his wife as the newest members of the Miami Hurricane family.”

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