Miami Men's Basketball Coach Jim Larrañaga Makes Shocking Decision to Step Down Immediately

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — In a stunning turn of events, Jim Larrañaga, the long-time men's basketball coach at the University of Miami, has announced that he will be stepping down from his position, effective immediately. The news, which was confirmed by a person with knowledge of the decision on Thursday, has sent shockwaves through the college basketball community.

Larrañaga, who has been at the helm of the Miami program for over a decade, will be replaced by associate head coach Bill Courtney, a close friend of Larrañaga's for over three decades. The move is seen as a natural transition, given Courtney's familiarity with the program and his experience as a coach.

The decision by Larrañaga to step down is a surprise, given his success at Miami. During his tenure, the Hurricanes have experienced some of their most successful seasons in program history, including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2013. Larrañaga's coaching style and ability to develop players have been widely praised, and his departure will be felt throughout the program.

Despite the unexpected nature of Larrañaga's decision, the program is in good hands with Courtney at the helm. As associate head coach, Courtney has been instrumental in the team's success, and his promotion to head coach is seen as a seamless transition. He has a deep understanding of the program and the players, and is well-respected by the team and the university community.

The remainder of the season will be an interesting time for the Miami men's basketball team, as they adjust to life under a new head coach. However, with Courtney's experience and knowledge of the program, the team is well-positioned to continue their success and make a deep run in the postseason.

As for Larrañaga, his legacy at Miami will be remembered for years to come. He has built a program that is known for its toughness, discipline, and exciting brand of basketball. His impact on the university and the community will be felt for a long time, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in Miami history.