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Providence might be looking for a new coach, so naturally Jim Larranaga is again thrown into the mix of possible candidates

George Mason Basketball: Providence might be looking for a new coach, so naturally Jim Larranaga is again thrown into the mix of possible candidates

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Providence might be looking for a new coach, so naturally Jim Larranaga is again thrown into the mix of possible candidates

It's being reported that Providence is expected to part ways with head coach Keno Davis as early as this weekend. With this news some are already penciling in Jim Larranaga as a possible candidate to replace him. If you remember three years Larranaga rejected an offer to coach the Friars, his alma mater and a school that plays in the Big East conference.  I'm writing this post to tell you Larranaga isn't going anywhere. 

First of all he turns 62 this October and he signed a one-year extension last March that locks him in Fairfax throught the 2015-2016 season. I can't imagine he'd sign that extension if he had any thoughts of ending his coaching career somewhere other than George Mason. Also, it would take about 4-5 years to resurrect that program at Providence even if Larranaga was maximizing his recruiting by selling the lure of the Big East to high school kids. Also, the old coach now has deeply rooted ties with George Mason and keeps openly voicing his love for the green and gold and the university itself. The coach has praised the school for committing more money over the years for facilities and Providence's right now are nothing to get excited about. It also doesn't hurt that the Patriots are coming off their best regular season ever. If he wanted to jump to a bigger conference he would have done it three years go when the offers were pouring in. In short you can put money on Larranaga finishing his coaching career at George Mason.

Now let's back to our speculating of March Madness...

[Photo credit: Shamus Ian Fatzinger/Fairfax Times]

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12 Comments:

Anonymous Mike said...

While I think it's safe and you're probably right I still get a little nervous about this. Despite all the reasons you mentioned the Big East is still the best conference in college basketball and Providence is Coach L's alma mater. I went to school with his son Jon a while ago and at the time (10 years ago, but still) he said his dad enjoyed coaching George Mason but was always keeping his options open. Now, there's been a lot of success since that time and Coach L is king here in a way he simply couldn't be anywhere else (including Providence) but if you're a competitor the lure of bigger and better competition will ALWAYS be a temptation.

10:02 AM  
Anonymous gmuhoops said...

He strongly considered Providence 3 years ago and I think his decision shows how committed and happy he is in Fairfax. You never know what could happen but at his age it's very unlikely for him to make a move.

10:04 AM  
Anonymous Charlie T said...

They should look for a new conference. No, this time of the year is when jobs are found and jobs are lost. Providence should not be the only school looking at Coach L. I do agree with your comments.

10:08 AM  
Anonymous Scott said...

Can we rename the Patriot Center to the Larranaga Center to show the school's commitment to him?

1:13 PM  
Anonymous gmuhoops said...

George Mason won't even retire jerseys, I doubt we will ever see "Coach L Court"

1:20 PM  
Anonymous Kdenton1 said...

The Friars have not won a NCAA Tourney game since Thomas Armistead was in Kindergarten. Coach L. is the biggest fish that ever swam in the CAA pond. Even bigger than David Robinson. There is no reason Mason can't make the NCAA tourney every other year with the talent we have. Providence is a 4th rate Big East team. I agree 100% with L. staying here.

Coach L. is a business man and Providence being his alma mater (big conference school who is always in need of a hot coach) is an awesome card to have up his sleeve.

Would you rather be the Mayor of Northern Virginia, coach of the year in the CAA ,and get an at-large 8 or 9 in the dance with a program you built from the ground up or be starting someone else's squad for 3-4 years while getting owned in the Big East two nights a week on national television?

1:29 PM  
Anonymous Mason guy said...

Hate to see this come up now, right before the tourney. No doubt it was not Jimmy L's doing. A couple of W's would also be a nice bit of leverage, though. Personally I think they all make too much. :/

7:04 PM  
Anonymous c hirsch said...

I love Coach L but David Robinson won MVPs and NBA Championships, I think he has Larrnaga beat.

Even if he went to Providence, they are probably on TV about as much as Mason, haha.

10:45 AM  
Anonymous Kdenton1 said...

You are talking about the Admiral's NBA career. I'm talking about his CAA career, which was also awesome.

12:47 PM  
Anonymous Matt Cerilli said...

Ryan I am confused...don't you mean James Larranaga? haha

11:00 AM  
Anonymous gmuhoops said...

Haha yeah lavar should stick to talking football

3:56 PM  
Anonymous Ross_williams1 said...

I really don't get the reasoning behind GMU's reluctance to retire jerseys. It would be a class act to establish a tradtion of appreciation acknowledging those who helped build this program. It would also be a marketing bonaza for the program.

9:34 PM  

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