SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Hall of Fame coach
Jim Boeheim and his alma mater, Syracuse University, have agreed on a new contract that will lengthen his successful head-coaching tenure beyond the 2017-18 season.
The extension of the veteran coach's contract came about as head-coach-in-waiting
Mike Hopkins was hired to lead the program at Washington. Syracuse moved promptly to maintain stability in its program by negotiating the new deal with Boeheim, who had planned to step down following the conclusion of the next season.
"Mike accepting the position at Washington has put us in a unique position," said
John Wildhack, Syracuse Director of Athletics. "The circumstances are different now than they were when he was named head-coach-in-waiting.
"After discussing it with Chancellor Syverud, we believe the best decision for the student-athletes currently in the program and those who are committed to attending the University is to extend Coach Boeheim's contract. Jim has enthusiastically agreed.
"Mike received a great opportunity and we thank him and wish him the best," said Boeheim. "I'm happy to stay on to help the program and to continue the staff's devotion to success."
"The Syracuse basketball program was built on the concept of family and that remains intact with Coach Boeheim agreeing to this contract extension," said
John Wildhack. "Having experienced assistant coaches like
Adrian Autry and
Gerry McNamara on the staff helps us maintain the elite standing the program has earned."
Autry and McNamara, both standout performers at Syracuse, have been assistant coaches under Boeheim since the 2011-12 campaign.
"I have no doubt this remarkable run of college basketball success at Syracuse under Coach Boeheim is positioned to continue," said Wildhack.
In addition, the University has announced the promotion of Autry to the position of associate head coach.
