Syracuse to Hire Gerry McNamara as Men's Basketball Coach

Former Orange star and assistant coach returns to lead program after successful stint at Siena

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Syracuse University is expected to hire Gerry McNamara, a former star player and assistant coach for the Orange, as its new men's basketball head coach. McNamara led Siena to a 23-12 record and the NCAA Tournament this past season, where his team gave No. 1 overall seed Duke a scare before falling 71-65.

Why it matters

McNamara's hiring represents a return to his alma mater, where he was a beloved player and helped the team win a national championship in 2003. He inherits a Syracuse program that has struggled in recent years, missing the NCAA Tournament since 2021, and will need to reinvigorate fan interest and recruit top talent to return the Orange to national prominence.

The details

McNamara played for Syracuse from 2002 to 2006 under coach Jim Boeheim, establishing school records for 3-pointers and minutes played. After a stint as an assistant coach for the Orange from 2009 to 2024, he took over as the head coach at Siena two years ago, quickly turning around a program that had gone 4-28 the prior season.

  • McNamara played for Syracuse from 2002 to 2006.
  • He was an assistant coach for Syracuse from 2009 to 2024.
  • McNamara became the head coach at Siena two years ago, in 2024.
  • This past season, Siena went 23-12 and earned an NCAA Tournament berth.

The players

Gerry McNamara

A former star player and assistant coach at Syracuse University, who is now expected to be hired as the new head men's basketball coach after leading Siena to the NCAA Tournament this past season.

Jim Boeheim

The longtime head coach of the Syracuse men's basketball team, under whom McNamara played from 2002 to 2006.

Carmelo Anthony

A former Syracuse star who won a national championship with McNamara in 2003.

Adrian Autry

The current Syracuse men's basketball head coach, who is being replaced by McNamara after a 15-17 season and three-year record of 49-48.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of Duke University, who praised McNamara's coaching after Siena's close loss to the Blue Devils in the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.