Syracuse Should Consider Three Head Coaching Candidates Before Finalizing Gerry McNamara Hire Bryan Hodgson of South Florida and Josh Schertz of Saint Louis have been removed from Syracuse's list of potential head coaching candidates, with Siena's Gerry McNamara emerging as the leading contender for the Orange's vacant position, at least for now. McNamara has transformed Siena's program in his two seasons at the helm, guiding the Saints to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. The team, which won just four games in the 2024-25 season before his arrival, now faces No. 1 seed Duke in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 16 seed. His success has generated buzz for the Syracuse job, though officials may still explore other options. McNamara's rapid turnaround at Siena has been remarkable. After leading the Saints to a 21-13 record in his first season, the program secured an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. His ability to elevate a struggling program to national relevance has positioned him as a top candidate for Syracuse, which has struggled to find stability in its coaching ranks. However, the Orange's leadership may weigh other prospects before making a final decision. While hiring McNamara would be a positive move, I personally hope Syracuse's leadership explores other options, though I would fully support him regardless. The decision should prioritize long-term success over short-term hype. Before settling on McNamara, here are three additional candidates who could be viable choices for the Orange. John Groce, the head coach of Akron, has led the Zips to a 29-5 record and an automatic NCAA Tournament bid after winning the Mid-American Conference Tournament.#john_groce #gerry_mcnamara #siena #syracuse #shaheen_holloway
