Jim Boeheim no longer retiring after next season, agrees to contract extension

Published Mar. 20, 2017 6:47 a.m. ET

Aaron Torres

Whether you love Jim Boeheim or hate him, one thing is for sure: You're going to have to deal with him for a little bit longer.

After Syracuse's coach-in-waiting, Mike Hopkins, surprisingly accepted the Washington job on Sunday, the Orange announced that they have extended Boeheim's contract as the head men's basketball coach.

https://twitter.com/Cuse/status/843595824076677120

Boeheim had previously announced he would step down following the 2017-18 season and Syracuse had tabbed associate head coach Hopkins as his successor.

The ties between the two run deep, as Hopkins played under Boeheim and had been a part of his coaching staff since 1996.

"Mike received a great opportunity and we thank him and wish him the best," Boeheim said in an official statement released by the school. "I'm happy to stay on to help the program and to continue the staff's devotion to success."

With the departure of Hopkins, Syracuse obviously felt that keeping their long-time coach was the best way to maintain continuity within the program, as indicated by Syracuse athletic director John Widhack in the official release:

"Mike (Hopkins) accepting the position at Washington has put us in a unique position. The circumstances are different now than they were when he was named head-coach-in-waiting.

"After discussing it with Chancellor Syverud, 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," Widhack continued. "Jim has enthusiastically agreed."

Syracuse assistant Adrian Autry will fill Hopkins' role as associate head coach.