Boeheim to coach past ’18 after successor exits

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim has received an extension to coach beyond the 2017-18 season, the university announced Sunday night.

The extension came after assistant Mike Hopkins — designated as the replacement for Boeheim, 72, once he retired as planned after next season — left to take over as coach at Washington.

“Mike received a great opportunity and we thank him and wish him the best,” Boeheim said in a statement. “I’m happy to stay on to help the program.”

In the same university news release, Athletic Director John Wildhack said the decision came to maintain stability in the program. Boeheim has coached 41 seasons at the school.

“Mike accepting the position at Washington has put us in a unique position,” Wildhack said. “The circumstances are different now than they were when he was named head-coach-in-waiting.”

Assistants Adrian Autry and Gerry McNamara will remain on Boeheim’s staff. Autry was promoted to associate head coach.

Washington moved swiftly to hire Hopkins after firing Lorenzo Romar four days earlier. Hopkins agreed to a six-year deal, with financial terms undisclosed.

Hopkins spent most of the past quarter century at Syracuse as a player and coach. He played at Syracuse from 1989-93 and returned to the staff there in 1996. He’s leaving all that behind for an opportunity to rebuild at Washington, which just finished a 9-22 season and missed the NCAA Tournament for the sixth straight year.

“I can’t express enough thanks to coach Boeheim for so many years of mentorship and guidance,” Hopkins said. “The timing is right for me and my family to make this move.”

■ Louisville assistant Mike Balado, whose season ended Sunday with the Cardinals’ loss to Michigan, is set to become Arkansas State’s coach today, succeeding Grant McCasland, who resigned to coach North Texas. McCasland was 20-12 in his only season at Arkansas State. Balado said he completed his deal with Arkansas State before the game.