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Gerry McNamara named new Syracuse head coach
Former Orange star returns to lead alma mater 23 years after winning national title
Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:48am
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The energetic homecoming of Syracuse legend Gerry McNamara as the new head coach promises to reinvigorate the Orange basketball program.Syracuse TodayGerry McNamara, a former star player who led Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA championship, has been named the new head coach of the Orange men's basketball team. McNamara, who spent the past decade as an assistant coach in the NBA, was introduced at a press conference in Syracuse on Friday.
Why it matters
McNamara's return to his alma mater is seen as a homecoming for the beloved former player, who remains one of the most iconic figures in Syracuse basketball history. His hiring is expected to energize the fan base and help the program regain its status as a national power after several down seasons.
The details
McNamara, 45, signed a 5-year contract to become the 19th head coach in Syracuse history. He replaces Jim Boeheim, who retired after 47 seasons at the helm. As a player, McNamara was the Most Outstanding Player of the 2003 NCAA Tournament, leading the Orange to the national title. He spent 10 seasons as an assistant coach in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets before accepting the Syracuse job.
- McNamara was introduced as Syracuse's new head coach on March 31, 2026.
- He led Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA championship as a player.
The players
Gerry McNamara
A former Syracuse basketball star who won a national championship with the Orange in 2003 and has been hired as the team's new head coach after a decade as an NBA assistant.
Jim Boeheim
The longtime former head coach of the Syracuse men's basketball team, who retired after 47 seasons at the helm.
What they’re saying
“I'm here to win. That's what I do. I'm excited to be back home and lead this program back to the top.”
— Gerry McNamara, New Syracuse head coach
What’s next
McNamara will begin assembling his coaching staff in the coming weeks and prepare for the start of the 2026-27 season.
The takeaway
McNamara's return to Syracuse as head coach represents a full-circle moment for one of the most beloved figures in program history, as he looks to restore the Orange to national prominence after a period of struggle.
