Fans thought they were seeing another great era begin when Jim Larranaga guided the Miami Hurricanes to their first Final Four appearance in 2023. But then just a year later, the legendary coach stunned the college basketball world when he stepped down on December 26, 2024. Fans were left wondering what would come next because of his sudden departure.

Enter Bill Courtney, a name familiar to anyone in coaching circles but perhaps not to casual fans. With experience and familiar with Larranaga’s legacy, Courtney is Miami’s interim head coach. So let us take a look at the man who is now in charge of leading Miami’s basketball program.

He brings an impressive coaching pedigree with him into his new role. Courtney has been with Miami as associate head coach the past two seasons. He had a big role in the strategies and successes of the Miami team during over seven seasons.

Courtney, before arriving in Miami, had a diverse resume in college basketball. From 2010 to 2016, he was head coach at Cornell, where he went 60-113. His head coaching record isn’t flashy, but his depth of experience shows through as an assistant at Bowling Green, George Mason, and Virginia Tech.

Bill Courtney has made his mark at Miami. In the historic 2022-23 season, the Hurricanes reached their first ever Final Four. Bill was a big part of that. Courtney was known for his sharp recruiting eye. He helped Miami land several top 100 and top 150 recruits keeping the program competitive.

Courtney, in addition, was Miami’s offensive coordinator, appointed for his tactical acumen. With his help, the team finished last season ranked 19th in offensive efficiency, beating programs like Duke and North Carolina.

What is also interesting is the fact that Courtney’s ties run deep with Jim Larranaga. He worked with Larranaga at Bowling Green and George Mason. And even helped recruit the players who took George Mason to the 2006 Final Four. This long standing relationship reflects that Courtney is on the same page with Larranaga in terms of the coaching philosophy.

Jim Larranaga will leave big shoes to fill, as he has accomplished so much during his time at the university. In his 14 years at Miami, he built a powerhouse that won six NCAA Tournament appearances, two ACC regular-season championships and a memorable Final Four in 2023. However, the current problems with college basketball were too much for the 75-year-old coach.

Why Jim Larranaga stepped away

Larranaga cited exhaustion and frustration with the sport’s quick evolution including NIL deals and the transfer portal. But Larranaga’s impact for Miami cannot be overstated. He was loved on and off the court because he was able to bring winning teams together and connect with players.

Miami enters a period of transition now under Bill Courtney. Courtney is expected to stay the course, but the university has already announced it is preparing for a nationwide search for a permanent head coach. Miami faces Boston College on January 1, 2025, Courtney’s first test. Spinning in the scrum, as it turns out, could serve as a turning point in his interim stint and provide a look into Miami’s future.

Bill Courtney’s appointment as the interim head coach is a mix of the old and the new. He comes in with big shoes to fill, but his experience, strategic thinking, and link to Jim Larranaga is a relief during this transitional period. Can he right the ship and keep Miami a contender in the ACC? Only time will tell.