Syracuse has dismissed men’s basketball coach Adrian Autry after three seasons, the university announced Wednesday, ending a tenure that failed to produce an NCAA tournament appearance.
The decision came a day after the Orange were eliminated from the ACC tournament with an 86-69 loss to SMU in the opening round. Syracuse dropped its final six games of the season and finished 15-17 overall with a 6-12 conference record.
Autry was promoted to head coach in 2023 following the retirement of Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim, whom he played for from 1990-94 and later worked under as an assistant from 2011 to 2023, including seven seasons as associate head coach. Despite the deep ties to the program, Autry was unable to sustain early success.
His first season proved to be the high point. Syracuse went 20-12 overall and 11-9 in the ACC, finishing tied for fifth and earning a notable late-season victory over eventual conference champion North Carolina. The momentum did not carry over, however, as the Orange finished 14-19 last season and again placed 14th in the ACC with a 15-17 record this year.
Syracuse increased its name, image and likeness resources entering the season and appeared positioned to compete for an NCAA tournament berth after mid-February wins over California and SMU. Instead, the Orange failed to win another game.
Autry compiled a 49-48 record during his three-year stint and did not reach the postseason.
Athletic director John Wildhack said the school will conduct a national search for the program’s next head coach. Wildhack announced in February that he plans to retire July 1.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].