As the calls for Autry's job grow louder, McNamara will undoubtedly be a popular choice to replace him.
Entering Saturday's contest against Notre Dame, the Syracuse University men's basketball team is a disappointing 12-9 this season, and an even more disappointing 3-5 inside Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. The Orange have lost four consecutive league games and are coming off a 20-point defeat at the hands of North Carolina State.
The fanbase is certainly frustrated by where the team is at this year, and it's frustrated by where the program is at as a whole. The Orange haven't made the NCAA Tournament since 2020-21 and appear destined to miss it again this year.
Head coach Adrian Autry, in his third season at the helm, is 46-40 and has never made the tournament.
There is a passionate portion of the fanbase who wants to see him replaced, and the 'fire Autry' chants have grown louder at recent home games. And if Autry is actually replaced there is one name that has support among fans - Gerry McNamara.
About McNamara:
A national champion in his freshman season alongside Carmelo Anthony, McNamara is one of the more beloved figures in SU history. A three-time All-Big East selection, he was also the Big East Tournament MVP in 2005-06. He led the Big East in free-throw percentage in three of his four years, averaging 15.5 ppg lifetime. He scored 2,099 career points, has served as an assistant at Syracuse, and is now the head coach at Siena University, just 2.5 hours away from SU.
About his coaching chops
Because of the transfer portal, coaching in a mid-major situation is not easy. Talent fluctuates in-and-out of programs like Siena, but McNamara has built something pretty good in year two with the Saints. Siena is 14-7 with a 7-3 record inside the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). Syracuse fans could see his team in action this weekend as the Saints are at Niagara (Friday) and at Canisius (Sunday).
About his relationship with Autry
The following comes from Siena reporter Mark Singelais of the Albany Times-Union:
Asked Siena coach Gerry McNamara, former Syracuse star and assistant coach, if he’s been in touch with Orange head coach Adrian (Red) Autry, facing heavy criticism with a four-game losing streak. McNamara’s response:
"I talk to Red all the time. That's my guy. I haven't talked to him in a week or two. But those are as good a friends as I have in life. Let's set professionalism aside and what we do for a living. Those are guys I spent over a decade working with, a colleague, a guy that lived five houses down from me. Our wives are friends, our children."
Up next for the Orange
The Orange will take on Notre Dame on Saturday night at 6 p.m. ET. Our own Tom Goslowski will be there and you can follow him on social media @TomGozz. You can also interact with him in the community on our home page.
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