Miami coaching search: Dan Radakovich details what Miami wants in Jim Larranaga replacement

Miami is searching for a new head basketball coach after Jim Larranaga suddenly stepped down on Thursday. Bill Courtney is serving as the interim coach for Miami for now, but Athletics Director Dan Radakovich is expected to conduct a national search.

Radakovich and Larranaga met with the media on Thursday and discussed a number of topics, including what Miami will look for in its next head coach.

According to Dan Radakovich, there are some challenges as the Hurricanes begin the search.

“As we look to move forward, it’s a difficult atmosphere out there,” Dan Radakovich said. “The lack of, what Jim was just talking about – no collective bargaining, limited anti-trust exemption – all the things that you talk about and hear about in intercollegiate athletics has led to the symptoms that Jim just talked about. So that has to be the longer-term view of what we need to have happen. Will that occur before we need to move forward and conduct a national search? I highly doubt it.”

Jim Larranaga expressed frustration with the way college basketball currently is, stating that he no longer wants to coach, in part, because of NIL demands.

Radakovich understands that it is tough being a Division I college basketball coach at the moment, but he still believes Miami is a good job and can attract an excellent candidate.

“We’re going to be looking at the attributes that the University of Miami can provide to a potential coach. Looking at obviously playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference, which is an incredible basketball league,” Radakovich said. “And Making sure we put our best foot forward to get someone that can come in and be a part of the community, part of the university, but at the same time, feel like they have the ability to navigate this world and the changing world that we’re in.”

Dan Radakovich also emphasized that Miami is committed to having an excellent basketball program and will invest and do what is necessary to have one.

“Please know Jim set a high standard for our basketball program,” Radakovich said. “And the University of Miami is committed to investing in men’s basketball. It is a priority and will continue to be a priority within our department and our university.”

Miami reached the Elite 8 in 2022 and Final 4 in 2023, but the Hurricanes are currently 4-8 in the 2024-25 season.