Syracuse AD John Wildhack Retires: Who Will Choose Coach Adrian Autry’s Successor?
Syracuse University athletic director John Wildhack has announced his retirement, effective July 1. This transition raises significant questions about the future of the men’s basketball program and the fate of head coach Adrian Autry.
Syracuse’s Athletic Director Retirement
Wildhack, who has served in this role, will make key recommendations regarding Autry’s future before stepping down. In a recent statement, he emphasized that he will not defer these decisions to his successor. “I’m here until July 1, so you’re talking to him,” he stated.
Coaching Decisions Ahead
Wildhack clarified that any coaching change would involve recommendations to the Chancellor and the chair of the Board of Trustees athletic committee. Currently, Chancellor Kent Syverud is also in a transitional phase, as the university searches for his replacement.
Despite being a lame-duck athletic director, Wildhack is focused on the outcome of the current season. “I’m not going to do anything until I see the results of this season,” he added.
Current Season Performance
The Syracuse men’s basketball team is struggling, with a record of 13-11 and just 4-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This performance puts the team on track for a fifth consecutive season without an NCAA Tournament appearance, a significant slip for the program.
- Current Record: 13-11
- ACC Record: 4-7
- Performance Under Autry: 47-42 over two-plus seasons
Expectations for the Team
Wildhack had set a goal for the team to be “playing meaningful games in March,” which now seems unlikely based on current performances. The team’s extended absence from the NCAA Tournament is alarming, marking the longest drought since the late 1960s.
Even with the team’s struggles, Wildhack refrained from dismissing the possibility of Autry’s return next season. He acknowledged the challenges but stated, “I understand the scale. I understand it’s a high mountain to climb.”
No Immediate Search for a Replacement
As coach Autry’s future hangs in the balance, Wildhack has not initiated contact with search firms or committees regarding a possible successor. His priority remains to support the current coaching staff and evaluate the situation at the season’s conclusion.
In the world of college basketball, mid-season firings are uncommon due to the different pressures compared to football, where recruiting timelines create a sense of urgency. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Syracuse to see how the remainder of their schedule unfolds.
As Syracuse heads into the ACC Tournament, the outcome will shape decisions about the basketball program’s leadership. The coming months will prove critical in setting the course for Syracuse basketball’s future at Filmogaz.com.
