With John Wildhack stepping down as Syracuse’s athletic director, the Orange are officially on the hunt for new leadership-and one name that’s surfaced, albeit as a long shot, is UConn’s David Benedict.
Now, let’s be clear: Benedict isn’t the frontrunner, and there’s no indication anything is imminent. But when a job like Syracuse opens up, and when someone with Benedict’s résumé is out there, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Why Benedict’s Name Is in the Mix
David Benedict has been calling the shots in Storrs since 2016, and over the past decade, he’s built a reputation as one of the savviest athletic directors in the country. His track record speaks volumes-especially when it comes to hiring.
In 2018, Benedict brought in Dan Hurley to lead UConn’s men’s basketball program. That move has paid off in a big way.
Under Hurley, the Huskies have captured two national championships and reestablished themselves as a powerhouse on the national stage. That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident-it starts at the top.
Then there’s football. UConn’s program was in a rough spot when Benedict hired Jim Mora ahead of the 2022 season.
Mora didn’t just stabilize the program-he elevated it. The Huskies made three bowl appearances in four years and posted back-to-back nine-win seasons before Mora left for Colorado State.
That kind of turnaround is rare in today’s college football landscape, and it’s a testament to Benedict’s eye for leadership.
Now, there’s optimism surrounding his latest hire, former Toledo head coach Jason Candle. It’s too early to judge that move, but the early buzz is positive.
Benedict was also recognized in the spring as a 2025 NACDA Athletic Director of the Year-another feather in the cap of a guy who’s already built an impressive portfolio.
What’s Going On at Syracuse?
Wildhack, a former ESPN executive and Syracuse alum, took over as AD in 2016 and made some bold moves during his tenure. He hired Fran Brown to lead the football program and tapped Adrian Autry to replace the legendary Jim Boeheim in men’s basketball.
But as Wildhack prepares to step away, the department is at a bit of a crossroads. Autry’s job status is very much in the spotlight.
The Orange are 14-11 overall and 5-7 in ACC play with six games to go-three of them against ranked opponents. It’s not quite desperation time, but the pressure is on.
Football isn’t without its own drama either. After a promising 10-3 debut season that ended with a Holiday Bowl win in 2024, Brown’s squad stumbled hard in 2025.
The Orange started 3-1-including a dramatic overtime win over UConn-but dropped their final eight games after quarterback Steve Angeli went down with a season-ending Achilles injury. It’s a what-could-have-been kind of season, and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Brown.
Whoever takes over for Wildhack will inherit a department with potential-but also plenty of uncertainty. That’s what makes someone like Benedict an intriguing possibility. He’s proven he can navigate both success and adversity, and he’s got the kind of hiring track record that could bring real stability to Syracuse athletics.
Who Else Is in the Running?
Alongside Benedict, several other candidates have been floated as potential successors to Wildhack. The list includes:
- Tom Theodorakis, Army athletic director and former Syracuse lacrosse player
- Heather Lyke, currently a special advisor at Syracuse, with AD experience at Pitt and Eastern Michigan
- Dr. Andrew Goodrich, Akron AD and former deputy AD at Syracuse
- Reggie Terry, senior associate AD at Boston College, former Syracuse linebacker and associate AD for football operations
- Nick Carparelli, executive director of Bowl Season and former Syracuse football graduate assistant
- Mark Jackson, Northwestern AD
Each brings a unique connection to Syracuse or a strong résumé in their own right. But if the Orange want someone who’s built winners, hired the right people, and knows how to steer a program through the modern college sports landscape, Benedict’s name deserves to stay in the conversation-even if it’s a long shot.
The question now: would Benedict be interested? That remains to be seen. But if Syracuse comes calling, they’d be getting a proven leader with a blueprint for success.