Syracuse is expected to move on from men’s basketball coach Adrian Autry after three seasons, ending a tenure that failed to return the Orange to the NCAA Tournament.
Autry posted a 49-48 record since taking over the program in March 2023 following the retirement of Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, who led the program for 47 seasons. Despite early optimism, Syracuse never reached the Big Dance during Autry’s tenure and finished with back-to-back losing seasons after a 20-win debut campaign.
The decision extends a difficult stretch for a program that once stood among college basketball’s elite. Syracuse has not appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 2021, when the Orange advanced to the Sweet 16. The program owns six Final Four appearances and captured the 2003 national championship behind freshman star Carmelo Anthony.
Autry was deeply connected to Syracuse long before becoming head coach. A standout point guard for the Orange from 1990-94, he later returned as an assistant under Boeheim and spent more than a decade on staff before ultimately succeeding his former coach.
Syracuse will now begin a national search to restore the program’s competitiveness, though the process could be complicated by the upcoming retirement of athletic director John Wildhack this summer.
Several potential candidates have already emerged. Gerry McNamara is one option if the school chooses to remain within the program’s “extended family”. A hero of Syracuse’s 2003 championship run is now the head coach at Siena. He recently guided the Saints to a 23-win season and an NCAA Tournament berth after winning their conference title.
Another name gaining traction is Josh Schertz of Saint Louis. Schertz has become one of the most sought-after mid-major coaches after leading his team to a 27-4 record and a share of the Atlantic 10 regular-season title.
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Some have even floated Anthony as a potential candidate because of his legendary status at Syracuse, though the NBA great has no coaching experience and has not expressed interest in the role. This would also put him back where his basketball journey started and coaching his son, Kiyan. If Syracuse wanted to apply the “Coach Prime effect” this could be in play to hire a big name, non-traditional coach in Anthony. It’s a fun thought, but unlikely.
For Syracuse, the next hire can’t be a miss. The program attempts to reestablish itself as a national contender and needs a true leader and resources.
