In a highly anticipated move, Syracuse University has welcomed back one of its basketball legends. Gerry McNamara, whose name is etched in the annals of Syracuse basketball history, is set to take the reins as head coach of the men’s basketball team.
Rumors had been swirling for weeks, intensified by McNamara’s recent coaching success with No. 16 Siena University, which almost toppled top-seeded Duke University in a thrilling NCAA tournament match. Syracuse made the official announcement of McNamara’s appointment on Tuesday morning, confirming his immediate start.
“I love this place. I love what Syracuse means: to the fans, to the players who have worn this jersey, to the people of Central New York. This program has given me everything, and I am ready to give everything back to it,” McNamara expressed in the announcement. “College basketball has changed. How you build a program, recruit talent, compete for resources and win looks different than it did even five years ago. I know that. I’m ready for it. What hasn’t changed is what Orange Nation expects, and what this place deserves. We are going to build something special here.”
McNamara, an alumnus of the 2006 class and a pivotal player in the 2003 National Championship team, had a transformative two-year tenure at Siena, which Syracuse acknowledges as one of the most significant turnarounds in Division I basketball.
Before his stint at Siena, McNamara dedicated 14 seasons to Syracuse, serving as an assistant coach under the legendary Jim Boeheim and later as associate head coach under Adrian Autry in the 2023-24 season.
A Scranton Basketball Legend
McNamara’s basketball journey began in Scranton, where he led Bishop Hannan High School to a Class AA state title in 2002. With 2,917 career points, he ranks seventh in Pennsylvania high school history and was twice named AP Pennsylvania State Player of the Year.
Incoming director of athletics, Bryan B. Blair, shared in the release, “Gerry McNamara is who our storied basketball program needs at this important moment. In every conversation, his competitive fire and passion was undeniable — it’s simply part of his DNA.”
Blair praised McNamara’s capabilities as a proven Division I head coach who has successfully led a program back to the NCAA Tournament. “At every stop in his playing and coaching journey, he has elevated those around him — student-athletes, staff and the broader community — through his energy, his standards and his ability to connect,” Blair added. “While Gerry’s deep connection to Syracuse is meaningful, it’s simply a bonus to what he brings as a coach and leader. He honors our past, but he is driven to build for the future. This is a critical moment for Syracuse basketball, and it will take all of us—everyone connected to Syracuse University, Syracuse Athletics and Central New York—locking arms and supporting this program like never before. We welcome Gerry home and can’t wait to see where he takes our program.”
A four-year starter from 2002 to 2006, McNamara holds the program’s record for most three-pointers made (400), highest free throw percentage (.888), and total minutes played (4,799). He is also among the top leaders in assists, steals, and scoring, having notably scored six three-pointers in the national title game against Kansas as a freshman. After a stint playing professionally in Europe, McNamara returned to Syracuse to embark on a coaching career.
McNamara resides with his wife, Katie, and their four children: sons Gerry and Patrick, and daughters Maggie and Grace.
