Orange Over: Syracuse Hoops Moving On From Boeheim, Ending 47-Year Tenure

By Barry Janoff

Photo: SyracuseMarch 8, 2023: Syracuse University said today that Jim Boeheim, who has been head coach for the men’s basketball team for 47 years and part of the University even longer, would be replaced next season by associate head coach Adrian Autry.

Under Boeheim; the Orangemen have been a fixture at March Madness.

During his tenure, which began in 1976, Boeheim led Syracuse to the National Championship in 2003, made 35 trips to the NCAA Tournament and had Final Four appearances in 1987, 1996, 2003, 2013 and 2016.

"There is no doubt in my mind that without Jim Boeheim, Syracuse Basketball would not be the powerhouse program it is today," chancellor Kent Syverud said via the University.

"Jim has invested and dedicated the majority of his life to building this program, cultivating generations of student-athletes and representing his alma mater with pride and distinction. I extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to an alumnus who epitomizes what it means to be 'Forever Orange.'"

The news came after Syracuse lost to Wake Forest in the ACC Tournament, ending its quest to appear in this year’s March Madness Tournament.

“I’ve been very lucky to be able to coach my college team, to play and then be an assistant coach and then a head coach, never having to leave Syracuse,” Boeheim said during a post-game media conference before the decision became public and official. “It’s a great University.

“It’s up to the University. They have to make their decision, and it’s up to them.”

Autry, who has been on the staff since 2011, played for Boeheim from 1990-94.

Boeheim was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. His record at Syracuse is 1,015-441, not including 101 victories vacated due to NCAA rules violations.

He attended Syracuse from 1962-65 and in 1969 was hired as a graduate assistant.

"There have been very few stronger influential forces in my life than Syracuse University and Jim Boeheim,” Autry said via the University.

“They have both played such important roles and without either of them, I am certain I would not have this incredible opportunity before me," Autry said via Syracuse University. "I have spent much of my time in the game of basketball learning from Jim and am so grateful to him for preparing me to carry on the winning tradition that is Orange Basketball.

“It's hard to imagine a world without him on the bench, but together with our coaches, student-athletes and fans, we will build on decades of success as a winning program."

Back to Home Page