Gerry McNamara Emerges as Frontrunner for Syracuse Job

Former Orange guard could return to alma mater after coaching success at Siena

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:18am

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Siena men's basketball coach Gerry McNamara is reportedly the frontrunner to become the next head coach at his alma mater, Syracuse University. McNamara, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Orange, is leading Siena on an NCAA tournament run for the first time since 2010.

Why it matters

Syracuse has struggled in recent years, failing to make the NCAA tournament since 2019. Bringing back a former player like McNamara could help revive the program and reconnect it with its storied past under legendary coach Jim Boeheim.

The details

With USF's Bryan Hodgson now out of the running, new Syracuse athletic director Bryan Blair is expected to focus his search on McNamara. The former Orange guard is in the midst of a successful run as Siena's head coach, leading the Saints to the NCAA tournament for the first time in over a decade.

  • Gerry McNamara is currently the head coach of the Siena men's basketball team.
  • Syracuse fired former head coach Adrian Autry after three seasons with a 49-48 record.

The players

Gerry McNamara

A former guard for the Syracuse Orange, McNamara is currently the head coach of the Siena men's basketball team and is the frontrunner to become the next head coach at his alma mater.

Bryan Blair

The new athletic director at Syracuse University, Blair is leading the search for the Orange's next head basketball coach.

Adrian Autry

The former head coach of the Syracuse Orange, Autry was fired after three seasons with a 49-48 record.

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What they’re saying

“With USF's Bryan Hodgson now out for Syracuse, new AD Bryan Blair will likely focus on McNamara, according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.”

— Jeff Goodman, Analyst

What’s next

If McNamara accepts the Syracuse job, he will have to quickly assemble a coaching staff and recruit players to help the Orange return to the NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

Bringing back a beloved former player like Gerry McNamara could be a savvy move for Syracuse as they look to rebuild their once-dominant basketball program. McNamara's success at Siena has proven he has the coaching chops to lead a major program, and his connection to the Orange brand could help re-energize the fan base.