Coach Search Options after Autry

[GHLF]

I don't think anything or anyone is being strung along. Most of our candidates were in the tournament. It appears they're all out now and things can be finalized.

Mob mentality

 

[BEGood]

The thing that irritates me with this whole search is nil is the deciding factor imo. I think Blair wants his own candidate but Gerry is going to get a mountain of nil for 2 seasons. It’s tough. I think Blair needs to do some convincing and get the nil to his guy.

 

[orangecuse]

You only want Gerry because he had a great game plan, his team was well-prepared, and his team executed against #1 Duke.

You only want Gerry because his team won the MAAC in just his second season.

You only want Gerry because he went 23-12 this year and made the NCAA Tournament.

You only want Gerry because...

Am I doing this right?

Nobody is saying we should hire Gerry ONLY because his team played well in one game. Anybody suggesting that is lying to themselves and everyone else. And honestly its so annoying and lazy.

Schertz is my #1 pick. Has been for awhile. Has the experience, is a proven winner, has a great system, and is a great coach.

But if it isn't Schetz, Gerry is my next pick. Given the realistic options out there. Yeah, there are plenty of coaches I'd love to poach in a perfect world, but I'm living in reality.

I'll say it again. Gerry can flat out coach. He has a great feel for the game. I've been around a lot of coaches and teams, and people underrate just how many coaches lack a feel for game situations like when to sub, when to make adjustments, how to make adjustments, when to call timeouts, how to work the officials. Having watched Gerry, he's shown a good feel for this.

Yes, I would like to hear his plan for offense. I also watched his team run more sets and better offensive actions in one game, than SU did all year. People also have to keep in mind, there are few teams at the MAAC level or equivalent that are running the type of offenses you see Duke, Michigan, Iowa State, Alabama, etc. run. They just don't have the athletes. I think you'll find Gerry with P4 level players can run a more adaptable offense.

Lastly, Gerry showed he is willing to adjust and adapt. So many of us saw Boeheim's stubbornness. I haven't seen Gerry be stubborn. Just the opposite. Took a team with multiple injuries and a suspension, and adjusted to take an undermanned team to the NCAA Tournament and go toe-to-toe with Duke.

There are reasons why others may be better coaching options. But please stop with the "we have to go outside the family" or "It was just one game." If there's a better coach available, great. Do everything to get them. But Gerry is a great option and can certainly succeed here.

Plenty of great options on paper fail. I bet Georgetown fans were happy to steal Ed Cooley from Providence. Proven winner. NCAA Tournaments. How has that worked out?

Point is, nobody comes without risks. And nothing is a sure thing.

Now, that's what you call one skillful "Tricky" post!

 

[TrickySU]

That's fair -- but it ISN'T the only data input I'm using. I went and broke down Siena's schedule, and looked at the records of all of the teams that they beat. I saw that they only beat a very small number of teams the whole year that were above .500 [and one of those teams, they defeated twice].

I also look at advanced metrics, not just rankings like KenPom, and I think that the quantitative, empirical data raises some question marks. And I am not influenced by the prospect of having guys like Doty transfer here. Those kind of arguments actually makes me more nervous, even though I think he could be a depth-piece.

I don't dismiss the eye test, just because it isn't quantifiable. Two weeks ago, I was a hard "hell no" for GMac. Now, I'm less sure about that position. But our program is in a REALLY bad spot right now, and we need to get this hire right, or we might never recover. Nostalgia and getteing swept up by emotions are not the best ways to inform an important strategic decision that requires more objectivity.

And I say that while fully acknowledging that it was fun seeing GMac on the sidelines coaching against Duke. If I squint, I could almost see it working.

But then I think about how awful our program has been, and how our strategy isn't working and hasn't worked in a long time, and I keep coming back to we need someone more proven.

Gotcha. Yeah, I mean I honestly don’t think we’re that far off in how we look at things and how we feel.

I completely agree there are reasons for concern, and it would be ideal to get someone more proven.

I just want to push back a little bit on the people out there saying Gerry isn’t a good coach (not saying you) and cherry picking certain metrics or other reasons. (Same for the pro Gerry crowd! Too much cherry picking in favor of him!)

Schertz would be amazing. But besides him, I’m not seeing a ton of other realistic options out there that I’d feel a ton more comfortable with than Gerry.

I mean heck, Ed Cooley leaves Providence for Georgetown, which I’m sure Georgetown fans loved at the time since he was a fairly proven winner. And yet that hasn’t worked out at all.

 

[DomeHolmes]

Exactly!!! The amount of people that don’t understand this is mind blowing to me.

I mean according to those ratings with no context, Adrian Autry is a better coach than Gerry.

2025 Syracuse Offensive Rating: 106th
2025 Saint Louis Offensive Rating: 132nd

So Adrian Autry was a better coach than Josh Schertz in 2025 by that logic.

People need to have some common sense.

I agree with this. Everything is relative. Here’s what I know about Sienna. Their power forward was a ZERO star FRESHMAN recruit who scored more points against Duke than our four and five stars, Freeman, Betsy, White and Souare COMBINED. Doty was a LESS THAN zero star recruit (that does not even have a recruiting profile on 247). Gerry identified his talent as a high school freshman, and offered him his only scholarship after he became HC. Gerry’s offense got him clean looks all day vs Duke.

Those 2 zero star underclassmen recruits had 39 points versus Duke. Their team was better coached, better prepared and showed more heart then we could’ve dreamed of. Gerry can clearly coach, he can clearly evaluate talent, and he’s a hometown guy.

As I said in a previous post, there’s any number of guys who could coach Syracuse and they’re all guys we would “take a chance on”. I’d prefer to take that chance on Gerry.

For the Hodgson crowd, apparently Providence has more NIL than us and he’s a great coach. So there should be no question that he gets Providence to the dance in two years, correct? Time will tell.

 

[GHLF]

SU needs to get Schertz. Right now the general public thinks Providence just spanked SU in the coach search and is currently a better job and program. And maybe it did given this s-show. Can’t have it - hire Schertz.

I disagree fully, we already know he was not offered the job. Previous affiliations, attitude, entitlement, we said goodbye and became very happy about that. I think we played nicey nicey for too long with him and then the cards were shown. That was probably the biggest issue. Good case study if you make a mistake to rectify before a commitment is made unequivocally. A blessing. Just my opinion though. Shertz on the other hand seems like a truly viable candidate. Gerry is as well, Maybe with even more upside. We will see

 

[shu 49]

Honestly, it’s kind of win win right now. You get Gmac you get the $$$ and new donors. If you get Schertz you get the better coach. I’m hoping Schertz but I think bc of the Duke game, the fans have a completely emotional excitement that wasn’t there before that game

I think schertz is better now but dont he will always be better. lotsof people shortchange Gmac and i dont see why. i get his previous coaching at su slows down good thoughts about offense but he can learn or change is offense as he learns better whst works. its not a set thing. could be ever evolbing to the team.

 

[CuseBlood44]

Goodman's burner (Samurai) has Olen or Luke Murray linked to BC

Both those, but especially Olen, would be phenomenal hires for bc

 

[JarHeadJim]

You think GT is a better job than Prov? That’s actually quite funny

You get the Atlanta rap seen at GTech.

 

[djorange1989]

I hope we are talking to Martelli Jr, two bids in a row at two different schools in three years as a head coach is a nice resume. I know Belmont and VCU are historically strong programs already at their respective levels of mid-major but that is a resume not to ignore

 

[kcsu]

Schertz is a good coach with an exciting style. Gmac did one heck of a job this year with a depleted roster. I believe both can be successful at SU IF they have the funds.
Follow the money.

 

[Melancer46]

Offensive struggles against Duke? Siena put up 65 points in 62 possessions against the #1 ranked defense (per KenPom) in the country. If Siena’s AdjO ranking truly did go up 20 spots, it’s because they performed well when given the opportunity - not because they just showed up, as you’re inferring.

Compare what Siena did to how TCU performed yesterday… TCU scored just 58 total points in 69 possessions. I doubt that TCU’s AdjO or overall rankings went up as a result of yesterday’s game… and that would be because they didn’t play particularly well.

If you dislike Gerry and don’t want him to be our next coach, that’s cool, good for you. What I find strange is the desire to minimize the job he’s done at Siena. It’s ok to admit that he’s done a pretty good job as a coach so far.

Their TS% was like 48%.

I literally said Gerry has inarguably done a good job at Siena lol.

 

[RF2044]

I hope we are talking to Martelli Jr, two bids in a row at two different schools in three years as a head coach is a nice resume. I know Belmont and VCU are historically strong programs already at their respective levels of mid-major but that is a resume not to ignore

I hope he is in the discussion. Again, as admitted in an earlier post, I haven't seen enough of Marteli -- but I liked what I saw against UNC, in terms of style of play and how his team executed against much higher rated players.

Agree 1oo% about Belmont. Definitely worth kicking the tires, if he's interested.

 

[Strathless]

One thing regardless of who we hire is we cant continue to whiff when it comes to portal additions. The past 2 seasons have really been disasters (coupled with poor play from our supposed better players who we overpaid to keep). I watch all of these teams and most if not all of them who are in the tournament have made good decisions with their money. Some with far less than we have to offer

I look at the womens side. FLG did a helluva job this season with the money she had to work with and who she was able to bring in.

Nothing against our old GM but we cant continue to swing and miss like we have.

I think it is really tough to evaluate SU's portal class and roster construction from this past year. Nait George was a top rated PG. Nate Kingz, William Kyle, and Tyler Betsey were all solid additions as role players. The staff was able to retain their preferred players. I still believe that SU had the talent to be a solid tournament team, but our coaching and development just were not there.

I do not think it was a coincidence that this group beat Tennessee and pushed Houston in November, but got their doors blown off by average ACC teams in February. Other teams improved as the year went on and SU did not.

 

[malpearl31]

Their TS% was like 48%.

I literally said Gerry has inarguably done a good job at Siena lol.

I did see that you said that in some other posts, I just edited my previous post a couple of minutes ago to acknowledge that.

 

[phil77]

I hope we are talking to Martelli Jr, two bids in a row at two different schools in three years as a head coach is a nice resume. I know Belmont and VCU are historically strong programs already at their respective levels of mid-major but that is a resume not to ignore

Martelli was very impressive from what I watched in Round 1. Outside of Calhoun and Schertz, probably the most impressed I've been by one of our coaching candidates.

If Schertz passed. I would call Calhoun I realize he is probably Cinncy 100%, but I still call and kick tires. Martelli would be my floor.

 

[We Are Syracuse]

I hope we are talking to Martelli Jr, two bids in a row at two different schools in three years as a head coach is a nice resume. I know Belmont and VCU are historically strong programs already at their respective levels of mid-major but that is a resume not to ignore

Hard hard pass on him. Anybody can win at VCU and it’s been shown that

 

[5OutFred]

Would be shocked if we got Schertz, but let's be logical here - there is not one AD in the country that would take GMac over Schertz. Let's take off the blinders, guys. It's not close.

 

[phil77]

I hope he is in the discussion. Again, as admitted in an earlier post, I haven't seen enough of Marteli -- but I liked what I saw against UNC, in terms of style of play and how his team executed against much higher rated players.

Agree 1oo% about Belmont. Definitely worth kicking the tires, if he's interested.

VCU had a top 50 offense and top 50 defense according to ORtg and DRtg.

 

[JSCuse]

All this NIL talk reminds me of the interviews JW and Tirico had in recent weeks. JW said if the corporate support is there, Syracuse will be fine. Tirico mentioned getting everyone on the same page, and Cuse can be great again.

Without knowing anything, IMO the $$ is there for Syracuse to get back to where we should be - in that net cut of traditional powers, IUCONN, MSU, Arizona, Louisville, MSU, that exist just below the 6 bluebloods.

But this NIL posturing reminds me of a presidential primary where all the party's big donors splinter to fund the super PAC of their preferred candidate, and then you have to smooth over the rough feelings to unite once the party picks a nominee.

 

[Frozen]

All this NIL talk reminds me of the interviews JW and Tirico had in recent weeks. JW said if the corporate support is there, Syracuse will be fine. Tirico mentioned getting everyone on the same page, and Cuse can be great again.

Without knowing anything, IMO the $$ is there for Syracuse to get back to where we should be - in that net cut of traditional powers, IUCONN, MSU, Arizona, Louisville, MSU, that exist just below the 6 bluebloods.

But this NIL posturing reminds me of a presidential primary where all the party's big donors splinter to fund the super PAC of their preferred candidate, and then you have to smooth over the rough feelings to unite once the party picks a nominee.

Schertz can be president. Gerry can be vice president.

 

[kingtidge]

Totally agree, this issue will be how much of the big money is tied to JB supporters vs those willing to follow what the AD wants.

At the end of the day, it looks like:

For GMAC, we have +X $$$ NIL

For other candidates, we have -Y $$$ NIL

Now, I'm no agent, but there will be dialogue around "why can't my candidate get +X $$$ ??"

If the answer is, "because our former HOF coach has donors lined up for GMAC-only and he's forcing that choice."

I mean, I'm sure the school/BB are trying to tap dance around that in the negotiations if so, but agents aren't stupid.

The message would be clear:

"Even if you get the job, this is still Jim Boeheim's program and he's calling the shots here."

Are we really surprised Hodgson turned the job down, if that is the reality??

Should we be surprised if other outside candidates do as well??

 

[Scooch]

It’s possible to believe Gerry has done a nice job at Sienna AND he shouldn’t be the next head coach at SU.

Next we’ll have a class on walking a chewing gum at the same time.

 

[PhatOrange]

You think GT is a better job than Prov? That’s actually quite funny

of course it is. They play in a P4 conference and have a higher basketball profile. What's so great about Providence ?

 

[jdubs30]

At the end of the day, it looks like:

For GMAC, we have +X $$$ NIL

For other candidates, we have -Y $$$ NIL

Now, I'm no agent, but there will be dialogue around "why can't my candidate get +X $$$ ??"

If the answer is, "because our former HOF has donors lined up for GMAC-only and he's forcing that choice."

I mean, I'm sure the school/BB are trying to tap dance around that in the negotiations if so, but agents aren't stupid.

The message would be clear:

"Even if you get the job, this is still Jim Boeheim's program and he's calling the shots here."

Are we really surprised Hodgson turned the job down, if that is the reality??

Should we be surprised if other outside candidates do as well??

You are correct - but I do think if Blair doesn’t choose Gmac then JBs influence is completely out the door. This is JBs last stand to keep his hands on the program