Syracuse to Hire Former Star Gerry McNamara as Head Coach

McNamara, a Siena head coach, will return to his alma mater to lead the men's basketball program.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:50am

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According to multiple reports, Syracuse University is expected to hire Gerry McNamara, the current head coach of Siena College, as its next men's basketball head coach. McNamara is a former star player for the Orange and will be returning to his alma mater to lead the program.

Why it matters

McNamara's hiring represents a homecoming for the former Syracuse standout, who led the team to the 2003 NCAA championship as a player. His return is seen as an opportunity to reinvigorate the Orange men's basketball program, which has struggled in recent years.

The details

McNamara has spent the past five seasons as the head coach of Siena College, where he has led the team to moderate success in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach for the Orange under former head coach Jim Boeheim.

  • McNamara is expected to be officially announced as Syracuse's new head coach in the coming days.

The players

Gerry McNamara

A former star player for Syracuse University, McNamara is the current head coach of Siena College and is expected to be hired as the next head coach of the Syracuse men's basketball team.

Jim Boeheim

The former long-time head coach of the Syracuse men's basketball team, under whom McNamara served as an assistant coach after his playing career.

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What they’re saying

“Gerry McNamara is the perfect choice to lead our basketball program back to prominence. His deep ties to Syracuse and experience as both a player and coach make him the ideal candidate.”

— Kent Syverud, Chancellor, Syracuse University

What’s next

McNamara is expected to be formally introduced as Syracuse's new head coach at a press conference in the coming days.

The takeaway

The hiring of Gerry McNamara, a beloved former player, signals Syracuse's commitment to rebuilding its men's basketball program and returning it to the national prominence it once enjoyed.