Mason's Larranaga signs extension
By Jason Mackey
George Mason men's basketball coach Jim Larranaga has signed a three-year extension to remain a Patriot through the 2014-15 season.Larranaga has led George Mason to the postseason six times, highlighted by the team's memorable drive to the Final Four in 2006.
“Jim [Larranaga] is a terrific ambassador for George Mason University,” said Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Tom O'Connor. “I'm proud to say that he will continue to be our coach for the next seven years.”
Larranaga, 58, is the school's all-time leader in wins with 207, and the veteran bench boss coaxed 23 of those out of his team this season.
The Patriots posted tournament wins over Northeastern, Old Dominion and William & Mary to capture their fourth Colonial Athletic Association title back in March. However, George Mason subsequently lost in the first round of the 2008 NCAA men's basketball tournament to fifth-seeded Notre Dame.
“I've made it clear over the years that my family and I have loved it here at George Mason,” said Larranaga, who has a career winning percentage of .574. “I feel very connected to both the George Mason and greater Fairfax County communities.
“I've said before that I hope to retire here at George Mason and this contract extension allows me to do just that.”