With Bryan Hodgson and Josh Schertz no longer in the running for the Syracuse basketball head coach position, all eyes are on Siena's Gerry McNamara. McNamara, affectionately known as GMac, has worked wonders with the Saints, guiding them to this year’s NCAA Tournament in just his second season. It's a remarkable turnaround, considering Siena managed only four wins the season before his arrival.
As Siena, a No. 16 seed, gears up to face the top-seeded Duke in the East Region on Thursday in Greenville, S.C., McNamara is generating buzz for the Syracuse job and other high-profile positions.
While McNamara is a strong contender, Syracuse might want to explore other options before making a decision. Here are three candidates worth considering:
John Groce, Akron Head Coach
Groce has led Akron to an impressive 29-5 record, clinching the Mid-American Conference Tournament title and securing a No. 12 seed in the NCAA Tournament's Midwest Region. They'll face No. 5 seed Texas Tech in the first round.
Over nine seasons at Akron, Groce boasts a 197-93 record. His coaching pedigree includes 95 wins at Illinois and 85 victories at Ohio, making him a seasoned candidate with a proven track record.
Shaheen Holloway, Seton Hall Head Coach
Holloway has revitalized Seton Hall, transforming them from a 7-25 record in 2024-25 to a 21-12 finish this season. His efforts earned him the Big East Coach of the Year award. Known for leading Saint Peter's on a Cinderella run to the Elite Eight in 2022, Holloway's roots in the Northeast, having grown up in Queens, N.Y., and played high school ball in New Jersey, give him a recruiting edge in the region.
Phil Martelli Jr., VCU Head Coach
In his debut season at VCU, Martelli has steered the Rams to a 27-7 record and an Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament title, earning a No. 11 seed in the South Region. They'll take on No. 6 seed North Carolina on Thursday night.
Martelli, a rising star in the coaching world, previously took Bryant to the 2025 NCAA Tournament and compiled a 43-25 record over two seasons there. As the son of former Saint Joseph's coach Phil Martelli, he carries a strong basketball lineage.
While McNamara is a compelling choice for Syracuse, these candidates offer diverse experiences and successes that could also make them excellent fits for the program.