Larranaga to turn down Providence job
The architect of the Patriots magical Final Four run two years ago declined an offer to replace Tim Welsh at Providence.
Larranaga, 58, met with school officials over the weekend and the two sides were in negotiations Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
"Over the last several days it became public knowledge that we were in discussions with George Mason head coach Jim Larranaga about becoming our men's basketball coach," Providence AD Bob Driscoll said. "We offered him a very substantial package but he was too comfortable in his current situation and opted to stay at George Mason. As a result, I will continue to have ongoing discussions with the other finalists in this search."
Larranaga, who graduated from Providence in 1971, is best-known for orchestrating the Patriots' improbable Final Four run in 2006 in which George Mason knocked off Michigan State, North Carolina, Wichita State and UConn before losing to eventual national champion Florida in the national semifinals.
He led George Mason to the NCAA tournament this season after winning the CAA tournament. The Patriots, who will lose seniors Will Thomas and Folarin Campbell, were knocked out in the first round by Notre Dame.
Larranaga was the head coach at American International before going to Bowling Green from 1986-97. He has spent the past 11 seasons at George Mason.
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