ORLANDO — Miami’s legendary basketball coach, Jim Larrañaga, officially announced his retirement on Thursday, sparking an outpouring of admiration from across the sports world. Among those offering heartfelt tributes was Miami’s football coach, Mario Cristobal, who called Larrañaga an “iconic” figure and a “legend.”
Cristobal, who once made a memorable appearance at a Miami-Florida State basketball game, shared his deep respect for the man who helped transform the Hurricanes’ basketball program. “It’s a tough one, man. Really tough,” Cristobal said. “I love and respect him. He’s iconic. He put this program on his back and delivered greatness. He will be sorely missed.” In a playful moment, Cristobal also joked, “I’ll be raiding his roster for tight ends and defensive ends.”
The football coach didn’t just praise Larrañaga for his success on the court but also highlighted his incredible leadership qualities. “He’s an exceptional human being,” Cristobal added. “I can’t wait to learn from him on leadership, team-building, and culture. He’s always wanted to stay involved with UM, and you couldn’t ask for a better leader for our program and our young men than Coach L.”
Larrañaga’s decision to retire comes after a career marked by tremendous success, including leading Miami to the Final Four in 2023. But the changing landscape of college sports, including the impact of NIL deals, led him to step away. After the historic run, Larrañaga revealed that several players were planning to leave for more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.
Cristobal, who has embraced the realities of the transfer portal and NIL in football, acknowledged the growing pains of navigating these changes. “We’ve certainly encountered some challenges,” Cristobal admitted. “But our love for football outweighs the issues that have arisen. The key is adaptation—adapt or perish.”
Looking ahead to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Cristobal reflected on how Miami’s players have developed throughout the month of bowl practices. While he didn’t name names, he praised the improvement of several players who earned the trust of their coaches and teammates. “During bowl prep, you see a lot of growth, especially from freshmen who are now ready to take the next step,” he said. “It’ll show in the way we perform tomorrow.”
As Miami’s football program looks to the future, Cristobal is clearly committed to building on the foundation laid by leaders like Larrañaga, all while navigating the evolving landscape of college sports.
