SU Basketball Legend Jim Boeheim Finally Throws in the Towel

So this is what they mean by “forever orange.”

by KINSEY LEE ★ MARCH 20, 2023

Head basketball coach, Jim Boeheim, just announced his retirement after 47 years of leading the Syracuse Orange. Speculation about when Boeheim was finally going to leave his long held coaching position had been circulating for years but was especially present during this season. Boeheim has been reluctant to retire, begging the question: was it really his time to go, or did the university push him out?

Boeheim announced he would not return to coaching next season, shortly after the Wake Forest Demon Deacons bested the Orange in the second round of the 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. He was quickly replaced with former SU basketball player, Adrian Autry as the team’s new head coach. The retirement was anticipated, but the abrupt fashion in which the long-time face of Syracuse Basketball was replaced, leaves the community with questions. 

“As I've said from day one when I started working here, the university hired me, and it's their choice what they want to do,” Boeheim said when questioned about when he would retire. When Boeheim’s departure was announced, it was unclear whether the hall of fame coach left on his own accord or was fired by the university. 

Since 1976, Syracuse Basketball has been led to success by Boeheim. He has the most wins of any active Division I coach, racking up 1015 total wins. As one of the original founders of the iconic Big East Conference, Boeheim grew SU’s program and rose to fame along the way. He was known for his hot-headed, argumentative style, often confronting referees and getting ejected from games.

The Syracuse and Georgetown rivalry had an intense meeting in the 1984 Big East Tournament. During the heated game, Georgetown’s Michael Graham clashed with Syracuse’s Andre Hawkins, throwing Boeheim into a fit of rage, while he defended his player. In one of the most iconic moments in college basketball, Boeheim said “Michael Graham, in front of 19,000 people, punched my player. And the ref had the nerve to call it a two-shot foul.”

Boeheim has had a fair share of scandals throughout his tenure. In 2019, driving home from a game, Boeheim struck and killed a pedestrian. He was never charged, though the family of the victim sued. The university took no disciplinary action and continued to support Boeheim.

“There is no doubt in my mind that without Jim Boeheim, Syracuse Basketball would not be the powerhouse program it is today,” says Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud. Boeheim led the Orange to a national title in 2003, and was honored by the University, along with the members of the team at the 20th Anniversary of the win on Mar. 4. Syverud praised Boeheim over the weekend, affirming the University’s support for the long-time coach. “I extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to an alumnus who epitomizes what it means to be ‘Forever Orange’” said Syverud.

SU Basketball will undoubtedly face adversity in the upcoming years after Boeheim’s departure, despite confidence that Autry is apt for the position. Boeheim leaves behind an impressive legacy, forever impacting Syracuse athletics, going down as one of the greatest of all time.