Former Miami Hurricanes coach Jim Larranaga shocked the NCAA basketball world when he unexpectedly stepped down last season. 

That doesn't mean he's turned his back down on the program. Larranaga recently showed some love for ex-Hurricanes standout Norchad Omier, who became the first Nicaraguan player in the NBA earlier this week. 

He is on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. On Monday, he finished with one rebound in three minutes against the Golden State Warriors. 

After the moment, Larranaga posted this on social media: "From Final Four With Miami to the NBA." Omier was a key member on the Hurricanes team that advanced to the Final Four in 2023. They lost to eventual champion UConn in the national semifinals. 

HURRICANES MAKE COACHING HIRE

The Hurricanes officially announced the hiring of new running backs coach Favian Upshaw on Tuesday. However, there were still a couple of vacancies left on the staff: tight ends and cornerbacks coach. Regardless, Mario Cristobal is strategic when considering candidates.

It was reported on Tuesday that the Hurricanes are hiring Mike Viti as the new tight ends coach. He spent the last 10 seasons with the Army Black Knights as an assistant coach. Viti was promoted to Associate Head Coach / Offensive Line in the winter of 2025.

The 40-year-old was a star fullback for the Black Knights, carrying 91 times for 321 yards, scoring three touchdowns in 31 games over four seasons.

Viti will take control of a reshaped and inexperienced tight ends room.

Last season, the Hurricanes split snaps between Elija Lofton and Alex Bauman. They combined for 41 catches for 384 yards, scoring three total touchdowns. Both were utilized as route runners and playmakers, but didn't provide the blocking aspect of a tight end.

Lofton will return for next season, but not Bauman, as he's without extra NCAA eligibility.

It was reported in late Feb. that the Hurricanes are moving Cole McConathy II from edge rusher to tight end. The Alabama native is listed at 6-5, 250 pounds. He has the size and physicality to play the position, but needs to develop as a route runner and playmaker, without having any experience.

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com