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Syracuse AD John Wildhack to Retire July 1, 2026, Will Weigh Autry’s Future

His remaining months will include a final recommendation on coach Adrian Autry’s status.

Overview

  • Wildhack, a 1980 Syracuse graduate and former ESPN executive, confirmed he will step down after a decade leading the department, with his exit date aligning with Chancellor Kent Syverud’s departure.
  • He said he will not decide on Autry’s future until the season ends and affirmed he will make the recommendation to university leadership rather than deferring to his successor.
  • Syracuse men’s basketball is 14-11 overall and 5-7 in ACC play, sitting outside NCAA tournament contention as scrutiny of Autry’s three-year tenure (about 47–48–42) intensifies.
  • Wildhack’s tenure featured major facility investments, including the JMA Wireless Dome overhaul and the Lally Athletics Complex, key coaching hires, and a 2022 men’s soccer national championship.
  • Local analysis highlights urgent challenges for the next AD, including NIL fundraising and revenue distribution, navigating conference-realignment risks, and maintaining competitive rosters, with search details to be announced.