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Syracuse associate head coach Gerry McNamara has officially been named the new head coach at Siena College.

“(McNamara’s) appointment is not just about restoring championship success – a standard our fans rightly anticipate – but it also symbolizes Siena’s ascent in the broader collegiate landscape,” Siena College President Dr. Charles Seifert said in a statement.

McNamara will replace Carmen Maciariello, who was fired after five years at the helm. The Saints went a program-worst 4-28 this season and finished last in the Metro Atlantic Athletic conference.

First rumored by multiple sources as early as March 20, McNamara was reportedly finalizing a deal with Siena on March 25, per an article by the Albany Times-Union and a post on X by Wyland.

The Albany Times-Union wrote Monday that McNamara has emerged as the leading option to fill Siena’s coaching vacancy, and a final decision for the position will be made by the end of the week. The Albany Times-Union also reported that McNamara visited Albany on Sunday, March 24, to interview with Siena President Chuck Seifert and Athletic Director John D’Argenio.

Early Friday morning, Albany Times-Union’s Mark Singelais reported McNamara and Siena agreed on a deal late last night and “signed a memorandum of understanding.”

“I want to thank President Seifert and Athletic Director John D’Argenio for this incredible opportunity,” McNamara said in a statement. “I am so honored and excited to lead Siena College as the new head men’s basketball coach. My family and I can’t wait to get started and embrace Siena and the Capital Region.”

McNamara leaves Syracuse after 13 years of coaching. The former guard played for SU from 2002-2006 and helped the program win its lone national title as a freshman. He holds school records for career 3-point baskets (400) and career minutes played (4,799).

McNamara returned to coach the Orange as a graduate assistant and earned a full-time assistant job in 2011-2012. He served as an assistant for 14 years under Jim Boeheim before he was promoted to associate head coach this season under first-year head coach Adrian Autry.

Throughout his tenure on SU’s coaching staff, McNamara has helped Syracuse to nine NCAA Tournament’s, a Sweet 16 berth in 2018 and 2021 and two Final Four appearances in 2013 and 2016.

Published on March 29, 2024 at 11:14 am

Contact Tyler: trschiff@syr.edu | @theTylerSchiff