SU assistant coach Mike Hopkins accepts the Univeristy of Washington head coaching job.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University has extended the contract of head men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim “beyond next season.”
The move comes on the day when long-time assistant and coach in waiting Mike Hopkins decided to leave, taking the head coaching job at the University of Washington.
Boeheim was on schedule to coach one more season and then retire, but something occurred to make Hopkins decide this was the time to go out on his own.
Either Hopkins did not believe he was guaranteed to replace the Hall of Fame coach, or became concerned about following a legend. he accepted the head coaching job at Washington on Sunday.
Syracuse University issued a statement with a quote from athletic director John Wildhack that said in part “We believe the best decision for the student-athletes currently in the program, and those who are committed to attending the University, is to extend Coach Boeheim’s contract. Jim has enthusiastically agreed.”