Just when the Orange faithful were just starting to acclimate to the idea of a new head man behind the Syracuse bench, Jim Boeheim appears to be staying put.
Rewind to March 2015, Boeheim informs the world he was set on coaching three more seasons (which brings us to next season), and announced Syracuse assistant Mike Hopkins would be taking over for him.
Then Sunday came, and Hopkins went…to Washington, accepting the head coach position there; leaving Syracuse’s post-Boeheim plans in tatters.
Rather than scrambling to re-open a coaching search, the Orange seems to have decided it would be easier to bring Boeheim back; at least for the short term.
SU Athletic director John Wildhack explained the move in a press release via the team’s website:
“Mike accepting the position at Washington has put us in a unique position, the circumstances are different now than they were when he was named head-coach-in-waiting.
“After discussing it with Chancellor Syverud, we believe the best decision for the student-athletes currently in the program and those who are committed to attending the University is to extend Coach Boeheim’s contract. Jim has enthusiastically agreed.”
While there’s no denying Boeheim’s greatness, Syracuse has fallen behind in pulling in the country’s top players; with many opting to play elsewhere due to an outdated offensive scheme, and the rigidity of the famed SU zone defense, according to many whispers.
Many felt a new voice was needed, and after missing the tournament & getting knocked out of the NIT from there; it appeared the rails were slicked even more for Boeheim’s smooth departure.
The length of his extension remains to be seen, but at least for next season Boeheim will get another opportunity to try to get the Orange back to the top of national relevance.