Mason coach discusses job with Hurricanes
George Mason basketball coach Jim Larranaga interviewed last week for the opening at Miami. But at press time Thursday night — amid conflicting reports — there was no confirmation that he had taken the job.
George Mason athletic director Tom O’Connor granted Larranaga permission to speak to the Hurricanes, according to George Mason associate AD for communications Maureen Nasser. O’Connor and Larranaga have been in contract discussions since the end of the season, Nasser said.
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Attempts to reach Larranaga were unsuccessful.
Larranaga, 61, signed a contract extension 13 months ago to coach at George Mason through 2015-16. He was paid $525,000 this year.
But that was before Larranaga guided the Patriots (27-7) to a school-record 25 regular-season wins and their fifth NCAA tournament berth in the last 13 seasons. After an opening-round victory over Villanova, George Mason fell to Ohio State.
It was also before the going rate for coaches in the CAA increased. After guiding Virginia Commonwealth to an appearance in the Final Four, Shaka Smart signed a contract extension with the Rams for a reported $1.2 million a year.
Larranaga took George Mason to the Final Four in 2006. Two years later he turned down an offer from his alma mater, Providence. In 14 years at George Mason, Larranaga has a 273-164 record with 13 straight winning seasons.
Earlier this month, former Miami coach Frank Haith was the surprise choice of Missouri to replace Mike Anderson, who took over at Arkansas. In seven years at Miami, Haith went 121-101, guiding the Hurricanes to one NCAA tournament appearance.
Since joining the ACC, Miami has struggled to compete. Despite guiding the Hurricanes to six winning seasons, Haith never got Miami above .500 in the conference. The Hurricanes have lagged at the gate as well, averaging 6,562 fans a game, worst in the league.
Haith still was paid handsomely and was set to receive $3 million over the next two seasons.
