The coaching carousel is in full swing from Syracuse to Siena, and former University of Washington head coach Mike Hopkins might just find himself back in the game. Hopkins, a seasoned coach with deep roots in Syracuse basketball, is reportedly a candidate for the head coaching position at Siena University.
Gerry McNamara, who recently led Siena to the NCAA Tournament, has made the move to Syracuse, leaving an opening at Siena. Hopkins, a Syracuse alum and former assistant under the legendary Jim Boeheim, was in the mix for the Syracuse job but ultimately, the younger McNamara got the nod.
If Siena is considering another Syracuse connection, Hopkins could be a strong contender. At 56, he brings a wealth of experience, having played for the Orange from 1989 to 1993 and serving as an assistant from 1995 to 2017. His ability to recruit in New York could make him an appealing choice for Siena as he looks for another opportunity to lead a college program.
Hopkins’ Journey
Hopkins, known as a potential successor to Boeheim, never got his shot at Syracuse as Boeheim extended his tenure until the 2022-23 season. Hopkins transitioned to Washington in 2017, where he spent seven seasons before parting ways just as the program was set to join the Big Ten Conference.
Hopkins at Washington
During his time with the Huskies, Hopkins made an immediate impact. His first season ended with a 21-13 record, and by his second year, the team reached a 27-9 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament's second round. His efforts earned him the Pac-12 Coach of the Year award twice, demonstrating his capability to lead and develop a competitive team.
Future Challenges
As Hopkins considers his next move, one question looms: how will he navigate the challenges of the NIL landscape and the transfer portal? These factors can be particularly tricky at a mid-major like Siena, where players often look to move up to larger programs for greater exposure and opportunities. Retaining talent in this environment is no small feat.
Hopkins’ potential return to coaching at Siena could be an exciting new chapter, both for him and the Saints. His experience and New York connections might just be the perfect fit for a program looking to maintain its competitive edge.