5 worst head coaching hires in Syracuse football history

Nov 18, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers on the sideline.
Nov 18, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers on the sideline. | Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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Only coaching the Orange for three seasons, Scott Shafer failed to complete the program’s turnaround that was so desperately needed. 

Nov 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Scott Shafer looks on from the sideline.
Nov 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Scott Shafer looks on from the sideline. | Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Taking over after Doug Marrone’s run as head coach, which finished with an even overall record of 25-25, Shafer was looking to turn the Orange into a winning team once again. Shafer had been the defensive coordinator within Marrone’s staff.

Sadly, and disappointingly, Shafer earned fewer than five wins per season during his time with the team and the former DC turned HC was let go by the Syracuse athletic department.

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