Syracuse is expected to add two coaches to Gerry McNamara’s first staff, with VCU assistant Ryan Daly and Penn State associate head coach Jamal Brunt reportedly set to join the program, according to multiple reports Thursday.
Daly, 28, spent the 2024-25 season at Bryant before following Phil Martelli Jr. to VCU, helping both programs reach the NCAA Tournament. A former standout guard, Daly averaged 18.0 points per game across stints at Delaware and Saint Joseph’s from 2016 to 2021. He began his coaching career at UAlbany in 2022 before quickly rising through the ranks.
Brunt brings more than two decades of coaching experience, including the past three seasons at Penn State as associate head coach and defensive coordinator. During that stretch, the Nittany Lions posted defensive rankings of No. 81, No. 69 and No. 230, according to KenPom. Brunt has also held associate head coach roles at VCU and Richmond, with additional stops at Miami and Randolph-Macon.
Daly and Brunt would be the first reported additions to McNamara’s staff since his hiring. Syracuse is expected to blend experienced coaches with familiar faces as the program transitions under new leadership.
Former Orange players Arinze Onuaku and Ryan Blackwell are also potential candidates after previously working with McNamara at Siena.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.