Jim Boeheim opens up on his decision to step down as head coach of Syracuse
‘Glad to be retired’: Jim Boeheim on his decision to step down as Syracuse head coach after 47 YEARS in charge of the team
Speaking at the press conference introductory for new Syracuse basketball head coach Adrian Autry, Jim Boeheim said he was “delighted to be retired” while shedding light on his awkward exit this week.
Boeheim said he informed the team of his decision to retire as coach hours after the loss to Syracuse in the ACC tournament, prompting the school to abruptly announce that he would not return as coach.
The schools’ announcement did not specifically note that Boeheim’s departure was due to “retirement,” something many were quick to call attention to.
“I am very excited to be at this university and to continue [in a different role]’ Boeheim said. He wouldn’t know what else to do anyway.
Boeheim added that he is “delighted to be retired” and said he has felt better in the last two days than he has “in the last 47 years.”
Jim Boeheim told reporters that he is “delighted to retire” and feels better than he has in years.
Boeheim won an NCAA title for Syracuse in 2003 after defeating the Kansas JayHawks.
In addition to indicating that he will remain at the University in a different role, Boeheim also noted that he did not start thinking about retirement until a four-game losing streak late in the season that led him to believe “this was the time.”
“I’m probably very happy to never leave here,” Boeheim said, his voice cracking with emotion. ‘I will never leave Syracuse, and I will never leave Syracuse University.’
Boeheim initially came to Syracuse as a walk-on in 1962 and is incredibly proud of the fact that he never left school.
The now 78-year-old former coach also strongly endorsed Autry, saying the plan was to hand the program over to him following Boeheim’s departure since 2011.
Autry seemed comfortable in the spotlight during his first major press conference and even joked with some of his players in attendance about not missing class to show up for the press conference.
He also laughed when asked if he would move away from the 2-3 zone that had become a hallmark of Syracuse under Boeheim before saying, “I’m a fresh voice, a fresh face with fresh ideas.” But the standards that have helped build this program will not change.’
Autry also stated that he wants his team to be versatile and play whatever gives them the best chance of winning.
Adrian Autry was introduced as Boeheim’s replacement after serving as an assistant for years.