The Siena Saints are preparing to make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010, and the question on everyone’s mind is: Will their head coach Gerry McNamara bolt for Syracuse?
Such is the reality of the modern college basketball world, which has been defined in recent years by a wild coaching carousel, one that begins spinning well before the offseason arrives.
A former star player and assistant coach at Syracuse, McNamara is rumored to be a top target for the program’s new head coaching vacancy. The Orange just parted ways with Adrian Autry, who spent three seasons at the helm after succeeding longtime coach Jim Boeheim. Autry accumulated a 49-48 overall record and never reached the Big Dance. “We are going to move quickly and with purpose,” Director of Athletics John Wildhack said in a statement. “This is one of the most storied programs in college basketball, and we intend to hire a proven winner who will build on that legacy.”
As Selection Sunday approaches, McNamara is already being asked about the Syracuse job. “I’m not worried about anything other than what I’m focused on,” he told The Field of 68. “I’ve got a group of kids that I coach that are completely, fully bought in… We’ve got a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament… I’m not worried about outside noise.”
That may be true, but the noise will only grow louder as the Saints step into the national spotlight next week.
Autry is one of seven power-conference coaches to be fired in the past month, as the carousel starts to pick up steam. On Friday, it was reported that Cincinnati will move on from Wes Miller. The separation will become official on April 1, when Miller’s buyout drops from $9.9 million to $4.7 million. In five seasons with the Bearcats (two in the AAC, three in the Big 12), Miller compiled a 100-74 record and failed to make the NCAA Tournament. According to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, the “presumed frontrunner” to land the position is Utah State coach Jerrod Calhoun.
Meanwhile, Providence officially cut ties with Kim English less than 24 hours after the Friars were eliminated from the Big East Tournament. English posted a 48-52 record in three years with the program. The Friars entered the 2025-26 campaign with high expectations following the signings of several big-name transfers, but they stumbled to their second consecutive losing season.
St. John’s coach Rick Pitino voiced his support for English on Thursday. “Kim’s a young coach and he’s a very good coach. He communicates well with his team,” Pitino said. “What happened to them was that they lost so many close games at the beginning of the year that it went the other way for them. Unfortunately, that happens. You see it all the time. He’s going to have a long career. Everyone in this league is a good coach, but he’s a very good basketball coach.”
A number of coaches have been floated as possible candidates to replace English, including Calhoun, South Florida’s Bryan Hodgson and Santa Clara’s Herb Sendek. According to Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, Hodgson is currently “the leader in the clubhouse.”
The Bobby Hurley era is over at Arizona State, as the school will not be renewing or extending his expiring contract. Over an 11-year run in Tempe, Hurley amassed a 185-167 record and led the Aztecs to three NCAA Tournament appearances. He leaves as the second-winningest coach in program history. There’s some speculation that Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett, an Arizona native, could be in line to take over.
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Georgia Tech dismissed Damon Stoudamire in the wake of a dismal 2025-26 season. The Yellow Jackets finished last in the ACC with a 2-16 record (11-20 overall). During Stoudamire’s three years in command, Georgia Tech went 42-55 and never placed higher than eighth in the conference. The program has received just one NCAA Tournament bid since 2010. CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander reported that Troy’s Scott Cross and Furman’s Bob Richey are contenders to fill the vacancy.
The first major hire of the 2026 cycle was announced on Friday. Kansas State, which fired Jerome Tang in mid-February, is bringing in former Belmont coach Casey Alexander. In seven years with the Bruins, Alexander won 166 games and claimed four conference titles. He agreed to a five-year contract with the Wildcats worth $17 million. “I’m incredibly excited to join the team at K-State and can’t wait to get the journey started,” Alexander said. “K-State has such a rich tradition and a wildly passionate fan base and I’m grateful for the opportunity provided by (Director of Athletics) Gene Taylor to be a part of it.”
There have been more than 20 shake-ups at the mid-major level, including the firing of Wayne Tinkle at Oregon State, who’s set to be replaced by Michigan assistant Justin Joyner.
Josh Schertz was one of the hottest names on the market after leading Saint Louis to an A-10 regular-season title, but he solidified his future with the Billikens on Friday, agreeing to a long-term contract extension.
Two high-major coaches thought to be on the hot seat will be returning to their respective programs next season: Thad Matta at Butler and Jeff Capel at Pittsburgh.
A lot remains up in the air and there are surely some surprises on the horizon, but one thing is certain: The carousel will keep on spinning.
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