Adrian Autry Fired as Head Coach
Adrian Autry was fired as head coach of Syracuse men’s basketball on March 11, 2026, after compiling a record of 49 wins and 48 losses over three seasons. Under his leadership, the team failed to reach the NCAA tournament, a significant disappointment for a program with a storied history.
Autry’s first season as head coach in 2023 was marked by a 20-win campaign and 11 victories in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). However, the momentum did not carry into subsequent seasons, culminating in a disappointing 15-17 record in the 2025-26 season, with only six wins in the ACC.
Since Autry took over from legendary coach Jim Boeheim, who led the team for 47 years, Syracuse has not made the NCAA tournament, a streak that extends back to 2021. The program is known for its six Final Four appearances and a national championship in 2003, making the recent performance particularly concerning for fans and alumni.
In a statement following his dismissal, Autry reflected on his time at Syracuse, saying, “I don’t shy away from the job that I did. I’m harder on myself than anybody. I didn’t get the results that we wanted.” His tenure was characterized by a struggle to maintain the high standards set by his predecessor.
John Wildhack, the athletic director at Syracuse, emphasized the need for a change, stating, “We are going to move quickly and with purpose” in the search for a new head coach. He added, “This is one of the most storied programs in college basketball, and we intend to hire a proven winner who will build on that legacy.”
Autry, who played under Boeheim from 1990 to 1994 and later served as an assistant coach for 12 years, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach at his alma mater, stating, “It has been an honor to coach at my alma mater.” His departure marks a significant transition for the program.
As Syracuse University embarks on a national search for its next head coach, the future direction of the men’s basketball program remains uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential candidates and the timeline for hiring a successor.
