Syracuse associate head coach Mike Hopkins has reached an agreement in principle to become the next head coach at Washington, a source told CBS Sports.
Washington subsequently confirmed the development.
“The University of Washington is such a unique place, with a world-class University, an exciting basketball history and unbelievable fan support,” Hopkins said. “Together, I believe we can build something very special in Seattle, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hopkins is a Syracuse graduate who has been an Orange assistant since 1995 and the so-called coach-in-waiting for several years. He was expected to replace Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim after next season. But it’s become less clear in recent months that Boeheim is actually planning to retire -- or that Syracuse will make him. So Hopkins, a California native, opted to just go ahead and take this Washington offer and by extension remove himself from what could be an awkward situation as Boeheim’s projected retirement date approaches.
Hopkins went 4-5 as Syracuse’s interim coach last season.
He’s replacing Lorenzo Romar at Washington.
