ACC Basketball: Ranking all 15 head coaches in 2023 after recent changes

14. Adrian Autry – Syracuse

Thrust into the spotlight in recent weeks, Autry is a former Syracuse point guard who played under Jim Boeheim back in the early 90’s. After a long professional playing career, Autry got into coaching at the high school level in Virginia before joining the Virginia Tech coaching staff way back in 2008. Following three seasons on the Hokies’ staff, he was hired by Boeheim to rejoin Syracuse as an assistant and was promoted to associate head coach in 2016.

Following twelve seasons on Syracuse’s staff, Autry was recently named the next head coach of Syracuse, replacing Boeheim who retired after 47 years at the helm of the program. He’s never been a head coach at any level but has been a vital piece of this program, both as player and assistant, for nearly two decades. He’s been an assistant coach for multiple Final Four runs for the Orange.

We don’t know what to expect from Autry this upcoming season nor what his legacy leading the Orange will be. Replacing a legend like Boeheim will not be easy work, but it’s also fair to say that this Syracuse program had been very stale in recent years. It’s possible that Autry brings new energy to elevate Syracuse back into a contending program, but it’s also fair to temper expectations. Only time will tell with Autry, hoping to replicate some of the success of his longtime mentor and coach.