Jim Boeheim is undoubtedly synonymous with Syracuse basketball, having coached the Orangemen for 47 years, but that era has ended. The University announced on Wednesday Boeheim will not return as the head coach next season, leaving college basketball fans wondering what happened, and Coach K calling out the university for their seeming mishandling of the retirement announcement.
Wake Forest vs. Syracuse 2023 ACC Tournament via ACC Digital Network YouTube
It started when Boeheim, who wasn’t sure of his future at Syracuse leading up to his retirement, made cryptic comments after their defeat to Wake Forest, saying, “as I’ve said from day one when I started working here, the University hired me, and it’s their choice what they want to do. I always have the choice of retirement, but it’s their decision as to whether I coach or not. It always has been.”
“I’ve been very lucky to be able to coach my college team, to play, and then be an assistant coach, and then a head coach, never having to leave Syracuse,” Boeheim added. “It’s a great university. The city has embraced our team. I am amazed that we’ve been able to draw the fans that we’ve been able to draw over the years.”
“The University hasn’t offered me anything. Whether to work or do anything at the University. That’s their choice.” He then mentioned how he’s happy for coaches like Coach K and Roy Williams, who will work for the schools they retired at, noting again that he has yet to hear anything from the school regarding their plans for him.
He explained how it was up to the University before blurting out, “I gave my retirement speech last week, and nobody picked up on it.”
Jim Boeheim After Defeat to Wake Forest in the 2023 ACC Tournament via Syracuse Orange YouTube
A reporter then quickly asked to confirm, “You’re gonna retire?”
Jim Boeheim: I didn’t say that.
The room erupts in laughter.
Reporter: So, what are you saying? You’re not saying you’re retiring, but you’re saying.
Jim Boeheim: I just said it. I don’t know. This is up to the University.
Jim Boeheim Postgame vs. Wake Forest via Syracuse Orange YouTube
A few hours after Syracuse’s 77-74 loss to Wake Forest in the ACC Tournament, the school released a statement announcing associate head coach Adrian Autry’s promotion to head coach, replacing Boeheim.
“There is no doubt in my mind that without Jim Boeheim, Syracuse basketball would not be the powerhouse program it is today,” Chancellor Kent Syverud said in a statement. “Jim has invested and dedicated the majority of his life to building this program, cultivating generations of student-athletes, and representing his alma mater with pride and distinction. I extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to an alumnus who epitomizes what it means to be ‘Forever Orange.'”
Jim Boeheim’s Retirement Speech via Syracuse Orange sports on syracuse.com YouTube
On Friday, he officially announced his retirement to coaches, family, and university staff. In the same press conference, he introduced Adrian Autry as the eighth head coach of Syracuse basketball. Boeheim expressed his excitement for the future of Syracuse basketball and Adrian Autry as the head coach.
“I’ve known Adrian Autry since he was sixteen years old. He had 30 in New York City against Kenny Anderson. And I said that’s a guy we need to come to Syracuse. He’s here as a coach, and he knows how to coach. And he’s got a couple of assistants that are good enough to be head coaches. There will be no problem coaching going forward. None.”
Despite the confusion surrounding Boeheim’s departure, his legacy is unquestionable. Boeheim’s career at Syracuse began in 1969 when he was hired as a graduate assistant under Roy Danforth. As an assistant coach, he helped the Orange to their first Final Four appearance in 1975. In 1976, when Danforth left to become the head basketball coach at Tulane University, Boeheim was promoted to become Syracuse’s seventh head coach.
Syracuse Freshman Carmelo Anthony Celebrates 2003 National Championship via March Madness YouTube
In his tenure as head coach, Syracuse won the National Championship, appeared in five Final Fours, was the Big East regular season champion ten times, and the Big East conference tournament champion five times.
He was also awarded College Coach of the Year in 2009-10 by Naismith, the Associated Press, NABC, and Sporting News. And he has as many wins on his official coaching record as all of his predecessors combined.
In addition, his involvement spanned over half of all games in Syracuse’s 114-year basketball history through his various roles at the University. He also served as an assistant coach for the United States Men’s Basketball team in 1990, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016.
Syracuse Celebrates its 68-62 victory vs. Virginia in the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Final to advance to the Final Four in 2016 via Syracuse Orange YouTube
So why would Syracuse get rid of him?
Boeheim’s retirement has been a topic of discussion for close to a decade. At age 78, the chatter has only intensified, especially given the team’s recent struggles. In the past two seasons, the Orangemen have struggled to replicate the success that Syracuse fans grew accustomed to during the peak of Boeheim’s tenure.
The team accumulated a 33-32 record in the past two seasons, including 9th and 8th-place finishes in the ACC. The Orangemen lost in the second round of the ACC tournament last year to Duke and the second round of the ACC tournament this season to Wake Forest, failing to advance beyond the opening weekend. They last appeared in the NCAA tournament in 2021 where they made it to the Sweet Sixteen before being eliminated by Houston.
These results are below average for most college basketball programs, let alone one with Syracuse’s storied history. The Syracuse faithful grew restless with the team’s lack of success and called for a change in leadership.
Mike Krzyzewski via Duke University – The Fuqua School of Business
Regardless of the reason, Syracuse’s mishandling of their decision was criticized. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said, “the other day was awkward. Syracuse the University, Syracuse athletics, and Syracuse basketball should all be one in making this announcement. The fact that there’s any ambiguity is wrong. It’s not right. I would hope that if that is the case — I’m not saying it is, but I would hope things get right quickly and be celebrated the way it (Boeheim’s retirement) should be.”
Jim Boeheim During Team Practice in 2014 via ACC Digital Network YouTube
Boeheim’s retirement marks the end of an era in Syracuse’s basketball history. He’ll be remembered for his unwavering loyalty to Syracuse and his ability to lead his teams to postseason success consistently. However, his retirement will leave a void in Syracuse basketball that will be difficult to fill.
Do you think Syracuse mishandled the retirement of Jim Boeheim? Let us know in the comments.