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Gerry McNamara returns as head coach for Syracuse basketball opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 30, 2026, 7:03 PM

Last updated Oct 30, 2026

College Sports

Summary

Gerry McNamara makes his debut as Syracuse's head coach in their regular season opener against the University of New Haven on October 30, 2026. McNamara, who played a key role in Syracuse's history as a player and assistant coach, is returning to a program seeking to regain its former glory. This homecoming comes after a brief stint as head coach at Siena University, where he led the team to one NCAA tournament appearance. Syracuse’s athletic department has embraced McNamara’s return, dedicating a section of the team’s website to welcome him back as they aim to revitalize their program.

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Status Watch

•McNamara coaches Syracuse's first game against the University of New Haven.
•His return follows two years coaching at Siena University.
•Syracuse has not played in the NCAA tournament in five years.
•The team launched a campaign titled 'McNamERA' to mark his return.
•McNamara aims to restore Syracuse’s winning tradition.

Latest Updates

7:03 PMYahoo Sports — Return of the Mac

What they're saying

"
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Rare is the top-level college athlete who actually sets a goal to, someday, be a top-level college coach. Prove it wrong. Find the kid who grew up dribbling a basketball for hours around his driveway, who wouldn’t leave the gym until he drained 100 3-pointers, whose ultimate goal was to be his generation’s Phil Jackson, not its Michael Jordan. You sure wouldn’t have found him ...
— Yahoo Sports

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