The Syracuse Orange is in search of its new head coach for the next season in the hopes of restoring championship glory to a storied program that was once a consistent powerhouse.
Earlier in March, the sports department of Syracuse University decided to let go of men’s college basketball coach Adrian Autry after three years. He was handed the reins when former coach Jim Boeheim retired.
The Orangemen finished the 2025-26 campaign with an overall record of 15-17 (6-12 ACC) and concluded the year as the 14th seed in the 2026 ACC standings. With the likes of Kiyan Anthony, the son of NBA legend and former Syracuse superstar Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse is hoping its next coach will lead the charge towards an NCAA tournament appearance next year.
With this, let’s look at the five best candidates for the Syracuse Orange head coaching job.
Top 5 Head Coach Candidates for 2026-27 Syracuse Orange
#5 Joe Gallo
For the last 10 years, Joe Gallo has served as the Merrimack Warriors head coach, and he has an overall record of 184-124. Given his success is still translating to the 2025-26 campaign, Gallo may receive a bigger offer at Syracuse and lead the Orangemen to a successful season next year.
#4 Mike Hopkins
Mike Hopkins serves as an assistant coach for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, coached by interim head coach James Borrego. Before this, he had coaching stints with the Washington Huskies and even as an assistant for Syracuse. Now equipped with NBA experience, he may opt to return to the Orangemen as a head coach.
#3 Shaheen Holloway
Known for being a players’ coach and having a knack for defensive schemes, Seton Hall Pirates coach Shaheen Holloway may take on a fresh role and be the next Syracuse head coach. This season, he has led Seton Hall to a 21-12 (10-10 Big East) overall record, and they were eliminated in the semifinals of the 2026 Big East conference tournament.
#2 Gerry McNamara
Gerry McNamara was once a player for the Orangemen under the tutelage of coach Boeheim. Given his familiarity with the program, McNamara is a name that’s been floating around to take the coaching role at Syracuse. He recently helped his Siena Saints reach the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2010.
#1 Luke Murray
Luke Murray serves as an assistant coach for Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies in the Big East conference. Given that the Connecticut-based program has been the most successful in the sport lately, winning back-to-back national titles in 2023 and 2024, Murray may opt for a bigger opportunity and instill a winning culture as the head coach of Syracuse.
Also Read: Is Luke Murray Related to Bill Murray? UConn Coach’s Hollywood Family Decoded
Read More: Why Is Shaheen Holloway Wearing a Mask During UConn Game? Seton Hall Coach’s Courtside Look Sparks Speculation
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