Syracuse is reportedly working towards hiring Gerry McNamara as its next head basketball coach. Sources indicate a deal for the program legend is expected to come together in the near future.
McNamara’s Move from Siena
McNamara recently coached Siena to the NCAA tournament, winning the MAAC conference tournament. Siena lost to No. 1 overall seed Duke in the first round. The Saints were the first 16-seed in NCAA tournament history to lead a 1-seed by double digits at halftime.
McNamara was the head coach at Siena for two seasons. He went 37-30 with the Saints.
Return to Syracuse
McNamara will replace Adrian Autry, who was fired earlier this month after failing to reach the NCAA tournament in any of his three seasons in charge of the Orange.
Prior to his time at Siena, McNamara spent 15 years as an assistant on the Syracuse staff under Jim Boeheim and Autry. After Boeheim retired in 2023 and Autry was named as his replacement, McNamara was promoted to associate head coach.
McNamara’s Legacy at Syracuse
McNamara is considered one of the greatest players in Syracuse basketball history. He helped lead the Orange to a national championship in 2003. His No. 3 jersey was retired 20 years later.
- He holds the program record for made 3-pointers.
- He holds the program record for minutes played.
- He earned All-Big East honors three times.
- He started all 135 games he played with the Orange.
After a brief professional career, McNamara returned to Syracuse as a graduate assistant in 2009 before becoming an assistant coach under Boeheim in 2011.
Behind the Scenes of the Hiring Process
Syracuse athletic director Bryan Blair spoke to McNamara multiple times over the last week. These discussions included both virtual and in-person meetings.
Syracuse officials stressed during the process a commitment to NIL that projects in the top third of the ACC.
Autry posted a 49-48 overall record. The Orange went 15-17 this season, including 6-12 in ACC play, to finish with consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 1968-69.