Former Syracuse University basketball standout Gerry McNamara is nearing completion of negotiations to become the Orange’s next head basketball coach, according to an ESPN report released Sunday.
The 42-year-old McNamara currently serves as head coach at Siena College, where he has spent the past two years leading the Saints. This season, he successfully guided Siena to an NCAA Tournament berth after capturing the MAAC conference tournament championship. Despite entering as a 16th seed, the Saints put up a strong fight against top-seeded Duke in Thursday’s opening round, ultimately falling 71-65.
Prior to his stint at Siena, McNamara worked as an assistant coach at Syracuse for 15 years, serving under both Jim Boeheim and Adrian Autry.
According to the ESPN report, McNamara has engaged in several conversations with Syracuse athletic director Bryan Blair throughout the past week, including both virtual meetings and face-to-face discussions.
The report indicates that university officials have stressed their dedication to ranking among the top third of Atlantic Coast Conference programs regarding Name, Image, and Likeness funding.
McNamara played a crucial role in Syracuse’s 2003 national championship victory during his first year, playing alongside future NBA star Carmelo Anthony. His collegiate career established multiple program benchmarks, including most three-pointers made (400), most three-point shots attempted (1,131), highest free-throw shooting percentage (88.8%), and most minutes on the court (4,799). The three-time All-Big East selection appeared in every game as a starter throughout his four-year career from 2002-06, totaling 135 consecutive starts. The university honored his contributions by retiring his No. 3 jersey in 2023.
After graduation, McNamara rejoined Syracuse in 2009 as a graduate assistant before earning promotion to full assistant coach in 2011 under Boeheim’s leadership. When Autry succeeded Boeheim in 2023, McNamara received another advancement to associate head coach.
McNamara departed for Siena in 2024, compiling a 37-30 overall record during his two-year tenure. His recent tournament appearance marked the Saints’ first NCAA bid since 2010.
The university dismissed Autry, another former Syracuse player, earlier this month following three seasons without an NCAA Tournament appearance.
The Orange have failed to reach the NCAA Tournament for five consecutive years, marking their longest absence from March Madness since the 1967-72 period. Between 1973 and 2021, Syracuse participated in 39 of 48 possible tournaments.
