Syracuse Basketball Hires Gerry McNamara as New Head Coach

Former Orange star player returns to lead alma mater's program

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:15pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the colors of the Syracuse Orange.The vibrant return of a beloved Syracuse basketball star as the new head coach promises to reshape the program's future through a fresh, innovative vision.Syracuse Today

Syracuse University has hired Gerry McNamara, a former star player for the Orange, as the new head coach of the men's basketball team. McNamara, who played for Syracuse from 2002 to 2006, is taking over the program after serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater for the past five seasons.

Why it matters

McNamara's hiring is a homecoming for the beloved former player, who led Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA championship as the team's starting point guard. His return as head coach is seen as an opportunity to reinvigorate the program and reconnect with the passionate Syracuse fan base.

The details

During his introductory press conference, McNamara emphasized his desire to 'change' the trajectory of the Syracuse basketball program and restore it to national prominence. He highlighted his familiarity with the university and the local community, as well as his commitment to developing players both on and off the court.

  • McNamara was introduced as Syracuse's new head coach on March 31, 2026.
  • He played for the Orange from 2002 to 2006, helping the team win the NCAA championship in 2003.

The players

Gerry McNamara

A former Syracuse basketball star player who is returning to his alma mater as the new head coach of the men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I came back to change that. I came back to bring this program back to where it belongs.”

— Gerry McNamara, New Head Coach, Syracuse Basketball

“This is my home. This is where I want to be. This is where I want to make a difference.”

— Gerry McNamara, New Head Coach, Syracuse Basketball

What’s next

McNamara will immediately begin assembling his coaching staff and recruiting new players to join the Syracuse program.

The takeaway

Gerry McNamara's return to Syracuse as the new head coach of the men's basketball team represents an opportunity to revitalize the program and reconnect with the passionate Orange fan base that cheered him on as a player.