Syracuse to Hire Gerry McNamara as New Head Coach

Syracuse is working to finalize a deal to hire program legend Gerry McNamara as its next head coach, reports ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello.

McNamara, 42, has been the coach at Siena for the past two seasons, compiling a 37-30 overall record. He led the 2025-26 Saints to the MAAC Tournament title and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010. As a No. 16 seed, Siena almost stunned No. 1 overall seed Duke in the first round, eventually falling 71-65. The Saints were the first No. 16 in March Madness history to lead a No. 1 by double digits at halftime.

Gerry McNamara #3 of the Syracuse University Orangeman stands next to his teammate Carmelo Anthony #15 during the semifinal round of the NCAA Final Four Tournament on April 5, 2003. — Gerry McNamara was a key player on the 2003 Syracuse championship team, led by Carmelo Anthony.

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A former star guard at Syracuse from 2002-2006, McNamara spent 15 years on the Orange staff (2009-24) before accepting the job at Siena. During his playing days, he helped lead Cuse to the 2003 national championship and earned All-Big East honors three times. After a brief professional career, McNamara turned to coaching, joining his alma mater as a graduate assistant. He climbed the ranks to become the associate head coach under Adrian Autry following Jim Boeheim’s retirement in 2023.

Autry was fired earlier this month after three seasons at the helm. The Orange went 15-17 (6-12 in ACC play) this season, failing to reach the NCAA Tournament for a fifth straight year.