Syracuse basketball is parting ways with coach Adrian Autry, the school announced March 11.
The Orange’s season ended March 10 with their 86-69 loss to SMU in the first round of the ACC tournament. Syracuse finished 15-17 on the season as the post-Jim Boeheim era for the program struggles to find its footing.
‘It has been an honor to coach at my alma mater, ‘ Autry said in the announcement. ‘I want to thank Chancellor Syverud, (athletic director) John Wildhack, Jim Boeheim, my team and my staff for their support.’
Autry, a former Syracuse point guard, finishes his 3-year coaching tenure with a 49-48 record and no NCAA Tournament appearances. He was an assistant under Boeheim, who was second in all-time wins among Division I head coaches, from 2011-23 before being promoted, and was also coached by him as a player.
Syracuse was 12-5 on the season in mid-January but ended the year with losses in 14 of its last 17 games after starting with a 3-1 record in conference play.
Autry acknowledged he wasn’t able to accomplish what he should’ve at Syracuse in his postgame press conference on March 10.
‘I don’t shy away from the job that I did,’ Autry said. ‘I’m harder on myself than anybody. I didn’t get the results that we wanted.’
Syracuse signed a pair of top-40 ranked recruits last offseason, including Kiyan Anthony, the son of Syracuse and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony. Kiyan Anthony wasn’t able to find a rhythm as a true freshman, averaging 8 points per game on 39.9% shooting.
‘Adrian first came to Syracuse as a student-athlete in 1990, and this program has been a constant in his life ever since: as a player, assistant coach, associate head coach and ultimately as head coach,’ Wildhack said. ‘His dedication to our student-athletes on and off the court never wavered throughout his time here, and we are grateful for his service and commitment to Orange Basketball.’
There’s a handful of coaches that could be tied to the opening at Syracuse, including former Syracuse guard Gerry McNamara, who led Siena to an NCAA Tournament bid for the first time since 2010 on March 10 after winning the MAAC. Saint Louis’ Josh Schertz and USF’s Bryan Hodgson, two of the hottest names in the coaching carousel, could also be options.
McNamara was a Syracuse assistant from 2009-24, including a season under Autry. He was a part of Syracuse’s last national championship team in 2003, and has his No. 3 jersey retired at the school.
One thing’s certain: Syracuse’s next coach will be looking to revive a rather dormant program the last few years.
