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Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim and assistant Mike Hopkins during an exhibition game against Carleton on Nov. 2, 2014, at the Carrier Dome.

(Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com)

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

The extension of the veteran coach's contract came as a result of Mike Hopkins, Syracuse's head coach designate, leaving the university to take over as the head coach at the University of Washington.

Boeheim had planned on stepping down as head coach following the 2017-18 season. Hopkins, who played under Boeheim and had been on Boeheim's coaching staff since 1996, had been designated as his mentor's successor.

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

The university's release also included a statement from athletic director John Wildhack who said the decision to extend Boeheim's contract was to done to maintain stability in the basketball program.

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

"After discussing it with Chancellor (Kent) 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. Jim has enthusiastically agreed.''

Syracuse assistants Adrian Autry and Gerry McNamara will remain on Boeheim's staff. Autry has been promoted to the position of associate head coach.