Syracuse Basketball Looks to Hire New Coach

Experts advise targeting a proven winner over a familiar face

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:35am

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As Syracuse University's basketball program looks to hire a new head coach, experts are urging the school to consider a proven winner over a familiar face like Gerry McNamara. There's a belief that Syracuse should avoid repeating past mistakes and instead target a coach with a strong track record of success.

Why it matters

Syracuse basketball has a storied history, and the next head coach hire will be crucial in determining the program's future direction. Bringing in the right leader could help the team regain its status as a national powerhouse, while the wrong choice risks continuing a period of underperformance.

The details

According to reports, Syracuse is considering both internal and external candidates to replace the outgoing head coach. While Gerry McNamara, a former Syracuse player, is seen as a sentimental favorite, experts argue the school should instead target a proven winner like Josh Schertz, who has a track record of building successful mid-major programs.

  • Syracuse's basketball season ended in March 2026.

The players

Gerry McNamara

A former Syracuse basketball player who is considered a potential internal candidate for the head coaching job.

Josh Schertz

A coach with a proven track record of success at the mid-major level, who is being recommended as a potential hire for the Syracuse head coaching position.

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What’s next

Syracuse's athletic department is expected to conduct a thorough search process and make a decision on the new head coach in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Syracuse has a storied basketball tradition, and the next head coach hire will be crucial in determining the program's future direction. Experts advise the school to prioritize hiring a proven winner over a familiar face, in order to help the team regain its status as a national powerhouse.