Syracuse University announced Thursday that assistant men's basketball coach Mike Hopkins will succeed head coach Jim Boeheim when Boeheim retires in three years. Hopkins played at Syracuse from 1989- 1993 and has been an assistant coach on the team since 1996.
"For more than 25 years, Mike Hopkins has demonstrated the true meaning of Orange pride and loyalty," said Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud in a statement. "He has contributed so much to the success of the Syracuse basketball program. I know Mike is ready to lead the program into the future and carry forward the success that has occurred under Coach Boeheim."
Boeheim announced his intention to retire after the 2017-18 season at a press conference in March, following sanctions handed down by the NCAA.
"Mike has truly earned this honor through his hard work, dedication and commitment to our program for more than 20 years," said Boeheim in a statement. "There is no one more ready or prepared to carry on the success of Syracuse basketball than Mike Hopkins."
While Hopkins won't officially be the head coach until 2018, he will have the chance to lead the team next season. As part of the NCAA sanctions, Boeheim was suspended for the first nine ACC conference games of the season. Hopkins will coach the team during that time.
