Syracuse Relieves Autry, Search to Ensue

Following an 86-69 loss to the SMU Mustangs in the first round of the 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men's Basketball Tournament, Adrian Autry was relieved of his duties as Head Coach of the Syracuse Orange program.

The news came the morning after what would be his final press conference as the leader of the storied Syracuse Men's Basketball squad.

In a statement released by Syracuse University, Autry stated, "It has been an honor to coach at my alma mater. I want to thank Chancellor [Kent] Syverud, John Wildhack, Jim Boeheim, my team, and my staff for their support."

He was 49-48 over his three seasons at the helm of the Syracuse program.

"Adrian first came to Syracuse as a student-athlete in 1990, and this program has been a constant in his life ever since: as a player, assistant coach, associate head coach, and ultimately as head coach," Syracuse University Director of Athletics John Wildhack shared. "His dedication to our student-athletes on and off the court never wavered throughout his time here, and we are grateful for his service and commitment to Orange Basketball."

Wildhack, himself, will be stepping away from Syracuse University, with the announcement a short time ago that he will officially vacate his post as Director of Athletics for the school on July 1, 2026.

But before he leaves, Wildhack will lead a search for the program's next leader.

"We are going to move quickly and with purpose," Wildhack expressed. "This is one of the most storied programs in college basketball, and we intend to hire a proven winner who will build on that legacy."

Wildhack added, "We are looking for a coach who can recruit at the highest level, develop players, and compete for championships, conference and national. Syracuse fans deserve nothing less, and that is exactly what we are going to deliver."

The Orange have not made the NCAA Tournament in any of the last five seasons, meaning the last two seasons under longtime Head Coach Jim Boeheim and all three under Autry, from the 2021-22 campaign to now.

In Boeheim's tenure as Head Coach of Syracuse, the Orange advanced to the NCAA Tournament all but nine times in 47 seasons (Note: the 2019-20 NCAA Tournament was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic).

Thanks to Syracuse University Athletics for quotes from Adrian Autry and John Wildhack.