It was fumbled and bumbled, but Syracuse and Jim Boeheim eventually passed the torch safely

Syracuse, New York The torch was passed.

It was juggled, fumbled, and dropped one or two times.

But, ultimately, the most prominent job in Central New York was safely handed over from Jim Boeheim to Adrian Autry on Friday, as Boeheim and Syracuse University engaged in a public love-fest to demonstrate their continued bond.

Syracuse’s first men’s basketball coaching change in 48 years unfolded dramatically over 48 hours this week, featuring a buzzer-beating ACC tournament loss, a cryptic press conference, a rushed press release, and a barrage of negative publicity.
The school’s leaders, Boeheim, Wildhack, and Chancellor Kent Syverud, had the foresight to avoid an unnecessary schism while navigating a difficult transition, shifting command of the program from the second-winningest coach in college basketball history to his longtime lieutenant.

“There’s a lot that’s been said that (the school hasn’t) treated me right,” Boeheim was quoted as saying. “That is not true. None of this is true.”

Boeheim sat next to Syverud, who spoke glowingly of Boeheim’s efforts over the years. Wildhack offered similarly effusive praise.

Syverud announced that Boeheim would continue to work with the school. Wildhack stated that the school would one day hold a grand celebration for the coach.

If any of them needed to bury a hatchet, they had done so safely underground rather than deep in someone’s back.

“Syracuse is a family, and we take care of our own,” Autry said, delivering a message to the Syracuse players that most likely resonated with the rest of the room. “Today is a testament to that.”

The day was badly needed after a whirlwind in which it appeared that the school had forced out a legendary coach in the midst of a long slide and that the coach had decided to blame the school.
For two days, Boeheim appeared stubborn. For two days, the school appeared careless.
Then, on Friday, after the perception had persisted for days, Boeheim stated that it was his decision to retire, recognizing that it was time to move on after four blowout losses late in the season.

“Most schools don’t have a plan,” Boeheim explained. “Ninety-nine out of 100 people do not have a plan. John Wildhack devised a plan. The university devised a plan. And I was part of the plan. That plan is now in place, and I’m overjoyed. I’m thrilled to be retired. I’ve felt better in the past two days than I have in 47 years.”

That plan was either poorly executed or lacked key details.

After his final game, Boeheim expressed hope that Syracuse would make comparable arrangements for him as Notre Dame, Duke and North Carolina did for their long-time coaches. Despite his pending retirement, Boeheim said the accommodations hadn’t been discussed until Thursday.