Former Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim Looking Forward To Joining ESPN

Former Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim is finalizing a deal to join ESPN in November to broadcast college basketball games, he told me.

Boeheim, known for his sarcasm, surly takes and brutal honesty, will also broadcast some games for Westwood One, as first reported by Jon Rothstein.

“Looking forward [to] staying involved in our great game,” Boeheim, who turns 79 next month, said by text. “In spite of everything going on outside of our game we have more balance than ever before. The portal and NIL is largely responsible for this!”

Boeheim said in 2022 that Name, Image and Likeness rules are making college basketball stronger because it keeps some players in college longer.

“I think it’s inadvertently helping college basketball be stronger,” he said. “It’s good for college basketball.”

Boeheim joins former Villanova coach Jay Wright in the broadcast booth. Wright, who won two national championships at Villanova, did studio work for CBS during March Madness last season after retiring in 2022

Boeheim’s coaching career ended in March when Syracuse announced his 47-year tenure had come to a close, and that former Syracuse guard and assistant coach Adrian “Red” Autry would succeed him

“Today, as his 47th season coaching his alma mater comes to an end, so too does his storied career at Syracuse University,” the school said. “Associate Head Coach Adrian Autry ‘94, one of Boeheim’s former players and longtime assistant, has been named the program’s next head coach.”

Autry had been on Boeheim’s staff since 2011, and held the title of associate head coach since March 2017.

“There have been very few stronger influential forces in my life than Syracuse University and Jim Boeheim,” Autry said. “They have both played such important roles and without either of them, I am certain I would not have this incredible opportunity before me.”

Boeheim won the 2003 NCAA championship with a team led by Carmelo Anthony and guided the Orange to five Final Fours.