Gerry McNamara claps Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the Duke Blue Devils at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Syracuse is hiring a school legend as their new head coach

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 4:02 PM ET

The Syracuse Orange are going with what will be a very popular choice as their new head coach.

The Orange are hiring former star player Gerry McNamara as their new head coach, according to Jeff Goodman of Field of 68.

McNamara had previously been the head coach at Siena.

McNamara was part of Syracuse’s 2003 NCAA championship team, and he hit six first-half threes during their win over Kansas in the title game. He turned into a Syracuse icon and remains in the top five in program history in both points and assists.

Syracuse is expected to hire Siena head coach and former Orange star guard Gerry McNamara, source told @TheFieldOf68.

McNamara was an assistant under Jim Boeheim, took over at Siena and led the Saints to the NCAA in his second season at the helm.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 22, 2026

After his playing career, McNamara joined the Syracuse coaching staff in 2011 under Jim Boeheim. He remained in that role until 2024, when he left to become the new head coach at Siena. He led the Saints to the NCAA Tournament this season and came within six points of knocking off Duke in the first round as a No. 16 seed.

Syracuse fired Adrian Autry earlier this month after a 15-17 season. McNamara will be a hugely popular replacement among the fans.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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