Fire Autry

[CardiacCuse]

We're not the Sisters of the Poor CYO League team, we're fricken' SYRACUSE BASKETBALL. Our fans are knowledgeable enough to see that Red isn't getting it done. This isn't a charity case, we're the fricken' Orangemen, and we EXPECT more than what we've been seeing. 3 years is enough. Period.

I mean...i really see both sides of this.

players like george, kingz, kyle, sadiq,kiyan betsey...they just got here...they dont have anything to do with the last 5+ years! so for them its gotta be odd...they are walking into this toxic situation giving it their all...the atmosphere around the program sucks. they couldve gone a lot of different schools...and now they face this situation.

in the offseason when they wer being recruited I can guarantee NONE of these guys hoped for what is currently going on...im pretty sure all of them wanted to be ranked and lock for NCAAT...and im also sure they all thought it was a high probabilty of happening - otherwise they woulda gone elsewhere. on paper, this team IS talented enough to be there

i like this team. I like the players. they all seem like good guys and cool. there have been squads and players over the years that i didnt really like...but these guys...easy to root for and watch...i feel bad for them.

i know the chances that this season has a happy ending are small ...but they arent zero. there is still a chance that things can turn around.

idk - i know the fans are pissed and apathetic or whatever other negative emotion there is to feel...but when i come on here or look on twitter and just see the constant bombardment and bashing of the coach...its prtty rough. i cant imagine what its like to be a player under such a scenario.

and you can say they are pros getting paid whatever...but they are also human. its gotta be hard...and it could even spiral from here.

i just wonder what fans think they are accomplishing by spewing such vitriol nostop these days? its definitely not helping the players - and it definietly is not helping recruit future players. and personally i think the negative noise around the program is making it harder for the players to perform well. its definitely not helping.

i mean i get it. im not happy with the state of the program or coaching either...but i feel sad for the players that this is their experience as a cuse player - guys like king and kyle this is their senior year...last chance...and its a shtshw

 

[HyattsCuse]

That's when he was officially announced.

Jai Lucas was officially announced as the new head coach of the University of Miami men’s basketball team on March 6, 2025, after a preliminary agreement was reached around Feb. 22, 2025. He left his position as Duke's associate head coach to take the role.

Conversations were taking place much earlier to Feb. 22nd.

I get the spirit of what you’re saying, but there are some differences.

Larranaga stepped down in December. We’d have to announce Red is being canned.

Lucas was an assistant coach. I think the hope is we will go after some promising current head coaches.

I think the James Franklin situation should be considered. Led to a bunch of coaches getting big raises and Penn St was almost hung out to dry without a prominent new head coach. They were lucky to end up with Campbell.

I don’t think Syracuse can afford to play their hand earlier than they have to by asking Red to resign now or firing him now. As many have said, Red coaching doesn’t prevent JW from getting the process started behind the scenes.

If I’m a Syracuse fan, I think it’s safe to assume Red is gone. No reason to keep wondering. JW said “meaningful games in March”. No way that criteria is going to be met.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

View attachment 259422

I mean...i really see both sides of this.

players like george, kingz, kyle, sadiq,kiyan betsey...they just got here...they dont have anything to do with the last 5+ years! so for them its gotta be odd...they are walking into this toxic situation giving it their all...the atmosphere around the program sucks. they couldve gone a lot of different schools...and now they face this situation.

in the offseason when they wer being recruited I can guarantee NONE of these guys hoped for what is currently going on...im pretty sure all of them wanted to be ranked and lock for NCAAT...and im also sure they all thought it was a high probabilty of happening - otherwise they woulda gone elsewhere. on paper, this team IS talented enough to be there

i like this team. I like the players. they all seem like good guys and cool. there have been squads and players over the years that i didnt really like...but these guys...easy to root for and watch...i feel bad for them.

i know the chances that this season has a happy ending are small ...but they arent zero. there is still a chance that things can turn around.

idk - i know the fans are pissed and apathetic or whatever other negative emotion there is to feel...but when i come on here or look on twitter and just see the constant bombardment and bashing of the coach...its prtty rough. i cant imagine what its like to be a player under such a scenario.

and you can say they are pros getting paid whatever...but they are also human. its gotta be hard...and it could even spiral from here.

i just wonder what fans think they are accomplishing by spewing such vitriol nostop these days? its definitely not helping the players - and it definietly is not helping recruit future players. and personally i think the negative noise around the program is making it harder for the players to perform well. its definitely not helping.

i mean i get it. im not happy with the state of the program or coaching either...but i feel sad for the players that this is their experience as a cuse player - guys like king and kyle this is their senior year...last chance...and its a shtshw

There are so many layers to peel. Bottom line is you need to win. And the way CBB is now, you need to rebuild your roster every year and hope it gels and hope you win.

Ask why fans if they have the right to be upset. They drag their butt at 9pm on a school night to watch the team lose against a team they are more talented then. Or they drag their butt up there against Miami on one of the coldest days of the year to watch them get outhustled and out game planned, again against a team that they are more talented then. And don't forget that many fans pay good money and travel good distances to make that effort to attend games.

I like Red. And maybe people should direct some of that anger towards Wildhack. After all, he's the one who hired him and brought him back for a 3rd season. And Wildhack is the one who will hire his replacement. So, it's pretty much a given that Red will be replaced, so people should be sending JW their comments and suggestions.

But, if the team, and the staff, doesn't give 40 minutes of passion and energy, then fans will react in a negative manner. It's going to happen.

 

[dasher]

Miami had Lucas hired by early to mid February last season. This is why we need to move on from Red soon. Who cares if our assistants are incompetent. The future of the program is way more important than the remaining games this season.

Also, the list of qualified candidates doesn't appear to be long at the moment. Another reason to start the formal process.

There isn't a Head coach currently at another school that will start the formal process with us right now. Have to skip practice today guys, I've got an interview with Syracuse. That will fly.

 

[wiCuse]

Not necessary. The meaningful conversations are already beginning at least with the agents. Most of the top candidates will likely still be coaching through mid-March. Ditching Red could lead to a sideshow that absorbs more of the AD's attention when it needs to be squarely on vetting candidates and making the right hire. I'm fine with Red finishing the season while the AD focuses on the next step.

We all know that conversation taking place now. You're 100% correct that our top candidates will be coaching through mid March. I'd say we have a bit of a sideshow on our hands right now. Look at the attendance, what is being chanted at games, comments by players. People are going to be extremely unhappy when they hear these top candidates are going to other schools and Red is still employed at SU towards the end of the season. It's about optics. Take a stand and show this isn't acceptable.

Make a clean cut and start conversations about NIL and season tickets. There's immediate optimism as the fan base awaits the new coach.

 

[HyattsCuse]

Make a clean cut and start conversations about NIL and season tickets. There's immediate optimism as the fan base awaits the new coach.

I don’t understand why you think that would promote optimism? Maybe some relief that the Red era is over, but who in their right mind is going to invest in Syracuse before the new coach is announced?

 

[dasher]

We all know that conversation taking place now. You're 100% correct that our top candidates will be coaching through mid March. I'd say we have a bit of a sideshow on our hands right now. Look at the attendance, what is being chanted at games, comments by players. People are going to be extremely unhappy when they hear these top candidates are going to other schools and Red is still employed at SU towards the end of the season. It's about optics. Take a stand and show this isn't acceptable.

Make a clean cut and start conversations about NIL and season tickets. There's immediate optimism as the fan base awaits the new coach.

Other than making you feel good, this won't help us at all. The people that we are interested in being our next head coach know the job is opening up. They know they are being considered. And if we don't get our first, second or third choice, the reason won't be because we waited to fire Red. It will be because among other reasons, our NIL isn't good enough. Our staff salaries aren't good enough. Reasons like that.

 

[wiCuse]

There isn't a Head coach currently at another school that will start the formal process with us right now. Have to skip practice today guys, I've got an interview with Syracuse. That will fly.

You know how this works and has worked for a long time. We can get a start on the portal if interviews can begin in mid February. Make the formal announcement after the season is over. What's the downside with this approach?

 

[dasher]

You know how this works and has worked for a long time. We can get a start on the portal if interviews can begin in mid February. Make the formal announcement after the season is over. What's the downside with this approach?

Besides making us look foolish, there will be no interviews with coaches who are currently coaching their team while the season is still going. And there certainly won't be a head start on kids in the portal. That is not to say that words will not be exchanged between the A.D. and agents. That will happen whether Red is fired or not. Firing Red right now, doesn't help in any way. Oh, but it will make you feel good.

 

[wiCuse]

Other than making you feel good, this won't help us at all. The people that we are interested in being our next head coach know the job is opening up. They know they are being considered. And if we don't get our first, second or third choice, the reason won't be because we waited to fire Red. It will be because among other reasons, our NIL isn't good enough. Our staff salaries aren't good enough. Reasons like that.

I appreciate you considering my feelings, ha. I know you're plugged in so maybe I'm missing something. You noted NIL, staff salaries, etc. Wouldn't it help us to cut ties with Red now so we can openly push for more NIL funding for the new head coach, or can that occur behind the scenes. I'm also worried about season ticket sales. Seems odd that they have to renew at a time when the team is doing so poorly. Maybe this won't impact the funds for our next coach and staff. That is what I'm thinking about. Just want the program to be in the best position possible.

 

[dasher]

I appreciate you considering my feelings, ha. I know you're plugged in so maybe I'm missing something. You noted NIL, staff salaries, etc. Wouldn't it help us to cut ties with Red now so we can openly push for more NIL funding for the new head coach, or can that occur behind the scenes. I'm also worried about season ticket sales. Seems odd that they have to renew at a time when the team is doing so poorly. Maybe this won't impact the funds for our next coach and staff. That is what I'm thinking about. Just want the program to be in the best position possible.

We all do. And Red will be let go barring a run the likes of which none of us have ever seen. And I think it would be fair to say, unless a Fran Brown appears, this board has already said the name of our next coach in one of our many threads.

 

[wiCuse]

I get the spirit of what you’re saying, but there are some differences.

Larranaga stepped down in December. We’d have to announce Red is being canned.

Lucas was an assistant coach. I think the hope is we will go after some promising current head coaches.

I think the James Franklin situation should be considered. Led to a bunch of coaches getting big raises and Penn St was almost hung out to dry without a prominent new head coach. They were lucky to end up with Campbell.

I don’t think Syracuse can afford to play their hand earlier than they have to by asking Red to resign now or firing him now. As many have said, Red coaching doesn’t prevent JW from getting the process started behind the scenes.

If I’m a Syracuse fan, I think it’s safe to assume Red is gone. No reason to keep wondering. JW said “meaningful games in March”. No way that criteria is going to be met.

Totally agree it's not apples to apples, but similar. Penn St really botched their hiring process, but still managed to walk away with a solid coach. Helps when you're Penn St... I'm worried about not having the proper resources going into the transfer portal if we keep Red until the end of the season. Maybe that isn't a big issue...

 

[wiCuse]

I don’t understand why you think that would promote optimism? Maybe some relief that the Red era is over, but who in their right mind is going to invest in Syracuse before the new coach is announced?

I'm not sure how we're getting any funding for NIL as of now. Things seem really negative at the moment. I hope that makes sense.

 

[Cusefan0307]

You can not fire a guy and still try hire a guy. By all accounts Devries to Indiana was a done deal last January.

 

[wiCuse]

You can not fire a guy and still try hire a guy. By all accounts Devries to Indiana was a done deal last January.

Not according to some on here... I'd like to understand the pros/cons regarding NIL if we let Red go now. Give a good to above average coach solid NIL money and we're back baby!

 

[orangepassion]

We all do. And Red will be let go barring a run the likes of which none of us have ever seen. And I think it would be fair to say, unless a Fran Brown appears, this board has already said the name of our next coach in one of our many threads.

So it is Huggins

 

[Cusefan0307]

Not according to some on here... I'd like to understand the pros/cons regarding NIL if we let Red go now. Give a good to above average coach solid NIL money and we're back baby!

I’m pro dumping Red immediately, but even if he isn’t let go I think JW is having backchannel communications at the moment to get a feel who’s truly interested and what it would take to get said coach here. I also think communications are happening with the biggest boosters.

Again, I don’t pretend to know half of what Dasher knows, but if you’re a good AD this is what is happening. Red also has to know he’s a dead man walking considering marching orders were given to him in the offseason that he had to make the tournament.

 

[EnviroSciGuy]

Other than making you feel good, this won't help us at all. The people that we are interested in being our next head coach know the job is opening up. They know they are being considered. And if we don't get our first, second or third choice, the reason won't be because we waited to fire Red. It will be because among other reasons, our NIL isn't good enough. Our staff salaries aren't good enough. Reasons like that.

Exactly. It may be far messier to can him now. The season is toast regardless; it's not like attendance will be salvaged by dumping Red and then beating a couple more of the ACC dregs.

 

[OrlandoCuse]

University of Missouri-Kansas City fired their coach a couple of weeks ago but they are also letting him stay as HC through the end of the season.

I could see us doing something similar around the 3rd week of February if we continue to lose games at an alarming rate.

 

[BigNastyJon]

University of Missouri-Kansas City fired their coach a couple of weeks ago but they are also letting him stay as HC through the end of the season.

I could see us doing something similar around the 3rd week of February if we continue to lose games at an alarming rate.

No way, that seems bush league. Red should be able to connect the dots on his own by February. Once you’re fired you’re out of here (whether that be now, in a few weeks, or after the last game).

 

[MSOrange]

I'm not sure how we're getting any funding for NIL as of now. Things seem really negative at the moment. I hope that makes sense.

I think you have a good point but I also expect any candidate will want to make sure appropriate NIL funding is in place before they agree to a contract and high level donors will be engaged during the hiring process. Even GMac didn't sign with Siena officially until they had enough NIL commitments to meet his expectations.

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

I don’t think there is much doubt that Autry will not be the coach next season barring an ACC tournament run and a Sweet Sixteen birth.
Depending on how the next two weeks go will determine when Red is let go. If the wheels fall off I would expect him to be terminated and given the opportunity to resign immediately or finish out the season. Much like Babers was given.
If they win a few and don’t embarrass the S then he will be let go after the regular season IMO.

 

[NKR1978]

“I just blocked that noise out because these guys have never played at this level and don’t know what we go through every day and how hard we work,” George said. “And just for them to come out here and boo, that’s, you know, that’s very disrespectful.”

Why should we be respectful of garbage play, giving up late in the game and constant hero ball?

The athletes who will leave for a bigger bag don’t get to cry about fans any more. I used to be very critical of those who really got down on the players, but they’re pros now and we actively contribute to their salaries.