Boeheim, Syracuse Agree to Contract Extension

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Head Coach Jim Boeheim will remain at the helm for the Orange beyond the 2017-18 season. The hall of fame coach and the University agreed on a contract extension today, according to a Syracuse Athletics press release.

This news comes after former assistant and head-coach-in-waiting Mike Hopkins was hired by Washington to be its next head coach.

“Mike accepting the job at Washington has put us in a unique position,”Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack said in the press release. “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 on Coach Hopkins’ departure. “I’m happy to stay on and help the program and continue the staff’s devotion to success.”

After Syracuse was hammered with sanctions in 2015 and the school suffered its second one-year postseason ban under Boeheim, the University announced that he intended to step down after the 2017-18 season. Now, Syracuse, for the time being, will move forward with the 41-year coaching veteran.

The move was one that Wildhack said keeps the Orange Basketball program in a stable position for the period of time ahead.

Orange assistant coaches Adrian Autry and Gerry McNamara will remain with the team as well, according to the university. In addition, Autry has been promoted to associate head coach.

Syracuse finished the 2016-17 season 19-15 and did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the second time since 2007-08. The Orange fell to the Ole Miss Rebels in the second round of the NIT on Saturday.