Syracuse Hires Gerry McNamara as New Head Coach

McNamara, a former star player, returns to lead his alma mater's basketball program.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the colors of the Syracuse Orange, conceptually representing the fractured and multi-faceted nature of a basketball game as the university welcomes back a beloved former player to lead the team.The return of a Syracuse legend as the new head coach aims to revive the program's storied basketball tradition.Syracuse Today

Syracuse University has officially named Gerry McNamara as its new head men's basketball coach. McNamara was a standout player for the Orange, helping lead the team to the 2003 national championship as a freshman. After a successful professional playing career, he now returns to his alma mater to take over the head coaching duties.

Why it matters

McNamara's hiring is a homecoming for the former Syracuse star and is seen as a move to reconnect the program with its storied past. As a beloved figure in the community, his appointment is expected to energize the fan base and potentially help with recruiting top talent to the university.

The details

McNamara was formally introduced as Syracuse's new head coach at a press conference on March 31, 2026. He takes over a program that has struggled in recent years, looking to restore the team to its former glory. As a player, McNamara was a key part of Syracuse's 2003 national championship team and is considered one of the greatest players in school history.

  • McNamara was introduced as the new head coach on March 31, 2026.
  • He led Syracuse to the national championship as a player in 2003.

The players

Gerry McNamara

A former star player for Syracuse University, McNamara won a national championship with the team in 2003 as a freshman. He is now returning to his alma mater as the new head coach, tasked with reviving the program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Gerry is a Syracuse legend, and we're thrilled to welcome him back home to lead our basketball program. His passion for this university and the game of basketball is unmatched, and we're confident he's the right person to restore our program to greatness.”

— Chancellor Kenneth A. Kalt, Chancellor, Syracuse University

What’s next

McNamara will now begin assembling his coaching staff and preparing for the upcoming season, with high expectations from the Syracuse community to return the program to national prominence.

The takeaway

The hiring of Gerry McNamara as Syracuse's new head basketball coach represents a homecoming for a beloved figure in the university's history. His appointment is seen as a move to reconnect the program with its storied past and energize the fan base, as he looks to restore the team to its former glory.