Former Syracuse Guard Reflects on Autry Firing

Andrew Kouwe discusses the dismissal of Adrian Autry as Syracuse's head coach after three seasons.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:24pm

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Former Syracuse guard Andrew Kouwe, a member of the Orange's 2003 national championship team, shared his thoughts on the school's decision to dismiss head coach Adrian Autry after three uneven seasons. Kouwe expressed sadness over the move, describing Autry as a "great guy" and alumni. He also discussed the challenges Autry faced in the modern college basketball landscape, including the impact of the transfer portal and NIL rules. Kouwe also weighed in on potential candidates to replace Autry, including his former teammate Gerry McNamara, who is in his second season as head coach at Siena.

Why it matters

The firing of Adrian Autry as Syracuse's head coach after just three seasons highlights the difficulties smaller programs like Syracuse face in the current college basketball environment. The story provides insight into the challenges of player development and roster management in an era of increased player mobility through the transfer portal.

The details

Autry, a former Syracuse player and long-time assistant under Jim Boeheim, struggled as head coach, posting a 49-48 record and a 15-17 mark in his final season. Kouwe cited the modern college basketball landscape, including the transfer portal and NIL rules, as factors that made it difficult for Autry to turn the program around quickly. Kouwe also pointed out that the era of four-year player development, like with former Orange stars Andy Rautins, Hakim Warrick, Trevor Cooney and Eric Devendorf, is no longer realistic.

  • On Wednesday, Syracuse dismissed head coach Adrian Autry after three uneven seasons at SU.
  • Kouwe shared his thoughts on the Autry firing on the most recent edition of the Juice on the Cuse Podcast, presented by On SI and Bleav.

The players

Adrian Autry

The former Syracuse player and long-time assistant coach who was dismissed as the Orange's head coach after three seasons.

Andrew Kouwe

A former Syracuse guard who was a member of the Orange's 2003 national championship team.

Gerry McNamara

Kouwe's former Syracuse teammate who is currently in his second season as the head coach at Siena, leading the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 16 years.

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What they’re saying

“Just sadness. Especially for Adrian as an alumni, obviously a great Syracuse player, and really just an overall great guy when you have a chance to talk with him. When you have a one-on-one away from the cameras and press, he's just a really great guy, great guy to talk to. It's a sadness because it just didn't work out.”

— Andrew Kouwe, Former Syracuse Guard

“The answer is yes (I would want him back at Syracuse). Look what he just did with Siena. I think that's just unbelievable. You see the way the players play for him. You see his excitement. And even listening to his interview last night after the game, talk about the joy he has found for player development.”

— Andrew Kouwe, Former Syracuse Guard

What’s next

The Syracuse administration will now begin the search for a new head coach to lead the program forward.

The takeaway

The dismissal of Adrian Autry as Syracuse's head coach after just three seasons highlights the challenges smaller programs face in the modern college basketball landscape. The increased player mobility through the transfer portal and the impact of NIL rules have made it difficult for coaches to build consistent rosters and develop players over multiple years, as was more common in the past.