John Wildhack, Syracuse University’s Director of Athletics, held a press conference today to share details on the firing of Dino Babers, who was the head coach of Syracuse football.
The last straw for Wildhack was the Orange’s lack of success late in the season under Babers.
"We've played meaningful games in November, but the performance and success in November hasn't been good enough,"
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) November 20, 2023
Wildhack stated on one of the specific reasons for the decision on Coach Babers.
Even though quality of play in November was the last straw, Wildhack did set a season-long win quota before this season.
"I met with Dino before the season and after the Florida State game and told him the benchmark was 7-5. Once that was unattainable we decided to move on,"
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) November 20, 2023
Wildhack said on the reasoning of the timing for the dismissal.
Going forward, tight ends coach Nunzio Campanile will lead SU in an interim role for the regular season finale against Wake Forest on Saturday. However, Babers was given the choice to finish out the year.
"I did give Coach Babers to option of coaching the last game of the season, but he declined that opportunity and I respect that,"
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) November 20, 2023
Wildhack said on what transpired with his conversation with Dino.
In terms of a permanent head coach, Wildhack is looking for someone that can improve Syracuse’s recruiting within the region.
"It doesn't have to be a direct connection to the 315, but experience in the northeast is important. The relationships within the region will play a factor in the coaching search,"
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) November 20, 2023
Wildhack said on what they're looking for in a new head coach.
Orange fans should expect the program to have a new leader soon. While Wildhack doesn’t have a specific deadline, he’s aware that the transfer portal opens up on Dec. 4. That window will be a guideline in the search process.
"The search is underway. It started yesterday and it will be thorough, but efficient as possible,"
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) November 20, 2023
Wildhack said on the new head coaching search for Syracuse.