Jim Boeheim replaced as Syracuse head coach by Adrian Autry after 47 seasons

Jim Boeheim worked his last game as Syracuse's head coach on Wednesday.

Hours after a 77-74 loss to Wake Forest in the ACC tournament, Syracuse announced that Boeheim will be replaced by associated head coach Adrian Autry. Chancellor Kent Syverud addressed the transition in a statement.

"There is no doubt in my mind that without Jim Boeheim, Syracuse Basketball would not be the powerhouse program it is today," says Chancellor Kent Syverud. "Jim has invested and dedicated the majority of his life to building this program, cultivating generations of student-athletes and representing his alma mater with pride and distinction. I extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to an alumnus who epitomizes what it means to be 'Forever Orange.'"

Boeheim was not quoted in the Syracuse new release announcing the move. He was asked about his potential retirement after Wednesday's game and repeatedly told reporters that the decision is up to Syracuse.

"This is up to the university," Boeheim said when asked if he's retiring.

He was then asked if that means he wants to come back.

"I didn't say that," Boeheim responded.

"You're not saying you're retiring?" a reporter asked.

"I just said it, I don't know," Boeheim responded. " ... I said this is up to the university."

That didn't exactly clear things up. When pressed again at the end of the news conference, here's what Boeheim had to say:

"I said it's up to the university," Boeheim continued. "They have to make their decision, and it's up to them. I hope to come to a good agreement. That remains to be seen."

Boeheim is an icon at Syracuse, having coached the men's basketball team for 47 years. It's a span that's seen the Orange play the entirety of their Big East existence from 1979-2013 and 10 seasons since a landscape-shattering move to the ACC. It's a span that includes 35 NCAA tournament appearances, five Final Fours and the 2003 national championship featuring Carmelo Anthony.

Boeheim's outlasted coaching rivals and titans of the game in John Thompson, Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski. He's 78 years old and is coming off his second straight season without an NCAA tournament bid and his third in the last four. He was understandably been asked about retirement for much of the season.

Boeheim he went out in dramatic fashion. The Orange rallied from a 13-point second-half deficit only to watch senior Wake Forest guard Daivien Williamson win the game for the Demon Deacons with a last-second 3-pointer.

The loss ensured that Syracuse wouldn't make a surprise run to an ACC tournament title, its only path this year to the NCAA tournament.