Syracuse football enters a new era under first-year head coach Fran Brown. On Nov. 19, 2023, SU dismissed former head coach Dino Babers after eight seasons. It was the end to an inconsistent period of Syracuse football. A 10-win season in Babers' third season showed potential, but the Orange failed to win more than seven throughout the rest of his tenure.
In his short time with Syracuse, Brown has changed the culture around the program. He's helped SU exert its dominance in the northeast and become a recruiting powerhouse in the region once again. Fellow Camden, New Jersey, native Fadil Diggs has joined Brown at Syracuse, transferring from Texas A&M. The edge rusher is primed for a stellar season following four years in College Station. Kyle McCord was Syracuse's other marquee transfer this offseason. The former Ohio State quarterback brings stability to the position, which has been lacking in recent years.
Brown's modern approach, along with the additions of McCord, Diggs and others, have created lofty expectations for his first year. Whether Syracuse meets those expectations is yet to be seen. The Daily Orange's 2024 Football Guide details everything you need to know as SU football takes center stage this season.
Since he was hired as Syracuse's 31st-ever head coach in November 2023, Fran Brown has turned the program around. He reignited SU's recruiting prowess in the northeast and completely rebuilt its roster through a number of key transfers and returners. Brown's intense but down-to-earth coaching style is at the forefront of the rebuild. The energy from Brown, and his philosophy, has the potential to catapult Syracuse back into the national spotlight.
Kyle McCord had nearly impossible shoes to fill as Ohio State's starting quarterback in 2023, as its previous three starters became NFL Draft first-round picks. Still, he led OSU to 11 straight wins before a loss to Michigan propelled him to make a “business decision” by entering the transfer portal. With Syracuse possessing a strong offense that lacked prowess under center, McCord transferred to the Orange believing he was their missing piece.
Few people represent football in Camden, New Jersey, better than Fadil Diggs. Just a few years ago, he made a name for himself as a two-way standout in high school, starring for Eastside High School. After a four-year stint at Texas A&M, Diggs transferred to Syracuse, where he has reconnected with fellow Camden native Fran Brown. Now, Diggs is set to be at the forefront of Elijah Robinson's defense in 2024.
Syracuse's hiring of Fran Brown has completely changed the direction of the program. Brown brought in key additions like quarterback Kyle McCord and defensive end Fadil Diggs. He also held onto key pieces like Justin Barron and Marlowe Wax. As a result, Syracuse has one of its most talented rosters in years and in a wide-open ACC, the Orange must play with a sense of urgency to start the Brown era off on a high note.
Syracuse has made a bowl game in two consecutive seasons, but hasn't won more than seven games since the 2018 campaign. Heading into a much-anticipated 2024 season, our beat writers make their predictions on if the Orange can make a splash in their first year under head coach Fran Brown.
