There are a number of reasons it’ll end up on Autry, some with a greater affect than others: not many obvious young up-and-coming candidates (if Nate Oats is the best, CBB is in trouble), Autry is ready, Wildhack will want significant say/level of control (he’s human), sentiment for continuity/would be a poor look for SU to bypass Autry, less change for top-level boosters to absorb/process, established “policy” of reluctance to pay top dollar for coaches (SU is conservative with its spending), Boeheim will bless his candidacy and be available for tutelage, taking the internal candidate worked WONDERFULLY last time.
Hopkins will have first dibs, but in the end, Autry will get the well-deserved nod.