Jim Larrañaga Recognized as Finalist for Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year Award

Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga is one of 20 finalists for the Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year Award, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

This award recognizes the top coach in Division I basketball. Phelan was a head coach at Mount St. Mary’s for 49 seasons and was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Larrañaga most recently totaled his 250th win after Miami’s regular-season finale against Pittsburgh. With the victory, Larrañaga is one of 14 coaches ever to eclipse 250 wins at multiple schools.

“Honestly, and I say this sincerely, it means a lot more to my sons and my grandsons cause they follow it so closely and they want us to win so badly. I take everything one game at a time, one season at a time,” Larrañaga said about his achievement. “Whatever we accomplish that year like right now, I’m very proud of. I’m very proud of these guys. My record or number of wins is not nearly as significant to me as you might think.”

Clemson coach Brad Brownell and Pitt coach Jeff Capel join Larrañaga among the ACC finalists for the award. Texas Tech coach Mark Adams won the award last season after leading the Red Raiders to a 27-10 record and a Sweet 16 appearance. 

This year’s winner will be announced in March in Houston, which is the location of the men’s NCAA Final Four and championship game.