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Syracuse Legend McNamara Returns as Head Coach
Emotional homecoming for former Orange star after brief stint as Siena head coach
Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:37am
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Gerry McNamara, a Syracuse basketball legend and longtime assistant coach, has been named the new head coach of the Orange men's basketball team. McNamara, who played for Syracuse from 2002-2006 and served as an assistant under Jim Boeheim for nearly 15 years, is returning to his alma mater after a brief two-year stint as the head coach at Siena College.
Why it matters
McNamara's return to Syracuse represents a homecoming for one of the most beloved players in program history. As the new head coach, he will be tasked with restoring the Orange to national prominence after a few down seasons. His deep ties to the university and the local community are expected to provide a boost in recruiting and fan engagement.
The details
McNamara was initially passed over for the head coaching job at Syracuse in 2023 when Jim Boeheim retired, with the school instead promoting associate head coach Adrian Autry. McNamara then took the head coaching job at Siena in 2024, but said he was hoping he'd "never be back" at Syracuse, as that would have meant Autry had found success. However, the opportunity to lead his alma mater was too good to pass up, and McNamara is now back in charge of the Orange program.
- McNamara played for Syracuse from 2002-2006.
- He served as an assistant coach under Jim Boeheim for nearly 15 years.
- Boeheim retired in 2023, and Autry was named the new head coach.
- McNamara took the head coaching job at Siena in 2024.
- McNamara was named the new head coach of Syracuse in 2026.
The players
Gerry McNamara
A Syracuse basketball legend who played for the Orange from 2002-2006 and served as an assistant coach under Jim Boeheim for nearly 15 years. He is now the new head coach of the Syracuse men's basketball team, returning to his alma mater after a brief stint as the head coach at Siena College.
Jim Boeheim
The longtime head coach of the Syracuse men's basketball team, who retired in 2023 after over 40 years at the helm.
Adrian Autry
The associate head coach who was promoted to become the new head coach of the Syracuse men's basketball team in 2023 after Boeheim's retirement.
What they’re saying
“When I left here, I thought, I was hoping, that I never came back here. Because, it would mean Adrian (Autry) had success. I was hoping, like alright man, get this going and be there 30 years...that's why I was emotional. Because I walked away thinking, I probably won't be back, unless I didn't do well and hopefully came back as an assistant or something.”
— Gerry McNamara, Head Coach, Syracuse Men's Basketball
What’s next
McNamara will now begin the process of assembling his coaching staff and recruiting players to Syracuse as he looks to return the program to national prominence.
The takeaway
McNamara's emotional return to Syracuse represents a full-circle moment for one of the most iconic players in program history. His deep ties to the university and community are expected to provide a boost in recruiting and fan engagement as he looks to restore the Orange to their former glory.
