Report: Former Syracuse Head Coach Adrian Autry Will Join Ryan Odom's Staff at Virginia

Odom has added an experienced ACC head coach to his staff at Virginia

Mar 7, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Adrian Autry reacts during overtime against the Pittsburgh Panthers at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Shortly after their season ended, Virginia lost their top assistant coach Griff Aldrich, as he took the head coaching position at Pepperdine. It looks like UVA head coach Ryan Odom may have found a replacement for Aldrich, as CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein is reporting that Virginia is going to be hiring former Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry for a position on the coaching staff.

Sources: Virginia's Ryan Odom has hired former Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry as an assistant.

Odom and Autry worked together at Virginia Tech under Seth Greenberg.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 2, 2026

This is a very interesting hire for Odom. It is never a bad idea to have former head coaches on your staff, especially one so familiar with the lay of the land in the ACC. Autry did not work out at Syracuse after taking over for legendary head coach Jim Boeheim, but as an assistant, he could be a valuable voice for Odom as he looks to build a team that can compete for an ACC title next season.

How will he help UVA?

Mar 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Adrian Autry reacts in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Autry embarked on a coaching career in January 2006 when he was hired as associate head coach at Bishop Ireton Catholic High School (Va.). He became AAU basketball coach with Nova United in April 2006, leading the 14-Under team and then the 15-Under squad. In September 2007, he became assistant basketball coach at Paul VI High School (Va.). He was named an assistant coach on the AAU Triple Threat squad, working with the 17-Under team, in 2008.

Autry could be a very useful coach on the recruiting trail as well.

While at Syracuse, he coached eventual NBA draft picks Jerami Grant, Tyler Lydon, and Chris McCullough. Grant and Oshae Brissett.

Virginia had a a great first season under Odom in 2025-2026, but they are going to be looking for more in the upcoming campaign. The first thing they are going to have to navigate though is the transfer portal and trying to replace some impact starters.

UVA is going to be without Dallin Hall, Malik Thomas, Ugonna Onyenso, and Devin Tillis next season and replacing what they brought to the team won't be easy. Hall was a great leaded and glue guy for the team, Onyenso was one of the best shot blockers in the ACC, and Thomas could get hot at any time and be a lethal scorer.

Autry should help with high school recruiting and in the transfer portal, as well as bringing an experienced voice on the bench for Odom. It might not have worked out at Syracuse, but Autry should be valuable for UVA.