Siena tabs Syracuse associate Gerry McNamara as head coach

Siena named longtime Syracuse assistant coach Gerry McNamara as the 19th head coach in program history on Friday.

McNamara, 40, started all 135 games of his playing career in four seasons with the Orange, ending in 2005-06, and remains the school's all-time leader in made 3-pointers with 400.

He reunited with then-head coach Jim Boeheim as a graduate assistant in 2009. McNamara was promoted for to full-time assistant in 2011 before being elevated to associate head coach, under head coach Adrian Autry, prior to this season.

"Gerry's illustrious career and championship pedigree at Syracuse University, paired with his exceptional skills in mentoring young talent, align perfectly with the high expectations and storied tradition of Siena basketball," Siena president Chuck Seifert said in a statement. "His 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."

McNamara replaces Carmen Maciariello, who was fired by his alma mater on March 20 after posting a 68-72 record during five seasons as head coach at Siena. The Saints limped to a 4-28 record this season.

"I am so honored and excited to lead Siena College as the new head men's basketball coach," McNamara said in a statement. "My family and I can't wait to get started and embrace Siena and the Capital Region."

—Field Level Media