Syracuse basketball rebuilds roster with new coach

Gerry McNamara takes over as head coach, tasked with reviving storied program

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:15pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the colors of Syracuse University, representing the fractured state of the basketball program as it looks to rebuild under new leadership.The hiring of former Orange star Gerry McNamara as head coach signals a new era of hope for Syracuse basketball.Syracuse Today

Syracuse University has named Gerry McNamara as its new head basketball coach, tasking the former Orange star with rebuilding the program after several disappointing seasons. McNamara, who played for Syracuse from 2002-2006 and was a key part of the team's 2003 national championship, inherits a roster in need of a major overhaul.

Why it matters

Syracuse basketball has long been one of the most prestigious college programs in the country, but has fallen on hard times in recent years. The hiring of McNamara, a beloved figure in the Syracuse community, is seen as a move to reconnect the team with its storied past and energize the fan base as the program looks to return to national prominence.

The details

McNamara, 42, takes over a Syracuse team that finished just 16-17 last season and missed the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four years. He faces the challenge of rebuilding the roster, with several key players having graduated or entered the transfer portal. McNamara has pledged to bring an uptempo, aggressive style of play back to the Carrier Dome and reconnect with the program's alumni as he looks to restore the Orange to their former glory.

  • On Monday, March 31, 2026, Syracuse University announced the hiring of Gerry McNamara as its new head basketball coach.
  • McNamara played for Syracuse from 2002-2006 and was a key part of the team's 2003 national championship team.

The players

Gerry McNamara

A former Syracuse basketball star who played for the Orange from 2002-2006 and was a key part of the team's 2003 national championship. McNamara has been hired as the new head coach, tasked with rebuilding the program.

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What they’re saying

“Gerry is the perfect person to lead our basketball program back to national prominence. His passion for Syracuse, his knowledge of the game, and his ability to connect with players and the community make him the ideal choice.”

— Kent Syverud, Chancellor, Syracuse University

What’s next

McNamara will immediately begin the process of evaluating the current roster and identifying transfer targets and high school recruits to rebuild the Syracuse program.

The takeaway

The hiring of Gerry McNamara as Syracuse's new head basketball coach represents a return to the program's storied past as it looks to restore its place among the nation's elite college basketball teams. McNamara's deep ties to the university and community provide optimism that he can revive the Orange's fortunes.