Syracuse men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim retires after 47 seasons

Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by SPN Editor

Syracuse University’s men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim, will not be returning to lead the team after 47 seasons, the university announced on Wednesday.

After Syracuse’s loss to Wake Forest at the ACC tournament, the announcement came that Adrian Autry, who has been part of the team’s staff since 2011, will take over as head coach.

Chancellor Kent Syverud acknowledged coach Jim Boeheim’s contributions to the program, stating that without Boeheim’s leadership, Syracuse basketball would not have become a powerhouse. With a 1,015-441 coaching record, Boeheim had led Syracuse to the NCAA tournament 35 times, advancing to the Final Four on five occasions, and winning the national championship in 2003.

Jim Boeheim will remain a part of the Orange family, staying on as a special assistant to the athletic director. He will also continue to teach at the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. Boeheim’s presence in Syracuse will continue to be felt, both on and off the court.

He has officially won 58 NCAA tournament games, ranking fourth all-time. Coach Jim Boeheim’s retirement was hinted at after the game, but he emphasized that the decision was up to the university. Syracuse University chose Autry as the team’s new head coach, sources informed ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Jim Boeheim’s retirement speech was given a week before his announcement, which was not picked up by anyone. Despite being known for his skills in the sport, Boeheim attributed his success to the university’s support and the fans’ loyalty, allowing him to stay at Syracuse for 47 years without the need to coach anywhere else.

Syracuse was the only school he coached for throughout his career, with his sons playing for the team. The city embraced the team, and coach Jim Boeheim expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him.

His retirement has been in the spotlight for some time, and his speech last week hinted at his retirement. Boeheim’s retirement announcement was not a surprise to many, but the timing of Syracuse announcing that Autry would be taking over the program was not set until Wednesday, sources said Boeheim’s retirement comes after 43 years as head coach, during which he led the Orange to five Final Fours and one national championship.

He also leaves with a record of 899-437, making him one of the winningest college basketball coaches of all time. A statue of coach Jim Boeheim’s likeness was erected outside of the Carrier Dome in 2016, immortalizing his legacy at Syracuse University.

Boeheim’s final game as head coach will be a bittersweet moment for the Syracuse community, as they will bid farewell to a man who has had such an immense impact on the city and its basketball program.

Boeheim will now focus on his new role at Syracuse University as the Special Assistant to the Athletic Director, a role which he has been in since his retirement announcement. He will continue to be a part of the Syracuse family and will work closely with Autry to ensure the successful transition of the program.

Boeheim will also be helping Autry with recruiting and other aspects of the program. It is clear that Boeheim will remain a part of the Syracuse basketball program even in his retirement.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted coach Jim Boeheim in 2005. He has had 23 players selected in the first round of the NBA draft and was an assistant coach for three USA Basketball teams that won Olympic gold medals.

Coach Jim Boeheim’s contribution to Syracuse basketball has been remarkable, and he will be remembered for generations to come.