At 75, Jim Larrañaga, the long-time head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, has built a legacy in college basketball that spans decades. Yet, as the current season falters for the program, questions surrounding his future are inevitable. While Larrañaga’s storied career includes a Final Four appearance and several successful seasons, a growing number of critics are now suggesting that the end may be near. With the Hurricanes sitting at 4-8, 11th in the ACC, is it time for the veteran coach to step away and enjoy the fruits of a remarkable career?

Jeff Goodman, basketball analyst and veteran journalist, voiced his concerns during a recent episode of Field of 68 After Dark. “Yeah, and Jim Larrañaga is 75, and he had an incredible run recently, you know, two, three years ago,” Goodman said, acknowledging the success Larrañaga enjoyed in the recent past.

“He was unbelievable, you know, Final Four, Elite Eight—like it was an unbelievable run, but I hate to say it, but it’s time. It is time for Jim Larrañaga to probably step away after this year.”

Goodman’s comments underscore the harsh reality that Larrañaga’s Miami team is currently far from its peak. With the Hurricanes sitting with more losses than wins and struggling to find consistency, the team’s performance has sharply contrasted with the high expectations that followed their previous successes.

The podcast host didn’t hold back, adding, “It just isn’t working right now. 75 years old, man. Go, go on vacation, like go, go travel the world. Have fun, Jim. You don’t need to be dealing with this crap right now and losing eight of nine.”

Larrañaga’s illustrious career is filled with accomplishments. Over his tenure, he has compiled a career record of 744–507, a .595 win percentage. He has led teams to two Final Fours (2006, 2023) and has been named Coach of the Year numerous times.

Under his leadership, Miami won the ACC regular season title in 2013 and 2023 and claimed the ACC Tournament in 2013. He was also awarded the prestigious AP College Coach of the Year, Naismith College Coach of the Year, and the Henry Iba Award in 2013, solidifying his place as one of the top coaches in college basketball history.

As Miami’s season unravels, the once-celebrated coach faces an undeniable truth: with each loss, the possibility of retirement grows more imminent. Could this be the end of an era?

Miami’s struggles raise questions about Larrañaga’s future: Will the veteran coach call it quits?

Miami’s record of 4-8 places them at the bottom of the ACC standings, and they are facing a tough uphill battle to get back on track. Goodman was blunt in his assessment of the team, stating, “Number two would be Miami for me. I mean, they’ve been an absolute disaster this year.” With each loss, the pressure on Larrañaga mounts, and the reality of a potential retirement becomes more apparent.

In his 13 years with the Hurricanes, Larrañaga propelled the program to six postseason appearances. Of these, four were till the Sweet Sixteen round. Interestingly, two seasons before the last, Miami reached the Elite Eight in 2022 only to lose to Kansas. UConn, which eventually won for the first time under Dan Hurley then were the ones to show the Hurricanes the exit gate in 2023.

The program has also shown better performances in the NIT with the Hurricanes reaching as far as the Finals in 2015. However, Stanford got the better of them as they lost by a one possession game of 64-66.

In the context of his distinguished career, it’s hard to ignore the inevitable question: is this the right time for Larrañaga to step away? The coach who got his contract extended to the 2026-27 season has had undeniable success.

However, his ability to lead Miami through its current struggles remains in question. As Goodman puts it, Larrañaga might be better off walking away with his head held high rather than enduring the frustration of a season that hasn’t gone as planned.

As Miami’s struggles continue and questions about Larrañaga’s future intensify, one thing is clear: his legacy will never be tarnished by a single tough season. Whether or not he decides to retire, his place in college basketball history is firmly secure. But for now, with the Hurricanes languishing in the ACC, the future of one of the game’s great coaches may be hanging in the balance.