At Siena’s press conference addressing Fran McCaffery’s departure from the program, Athletic Director John D’Argenio announced the college’s gratitude for all the success McCaffery has brought to the capital region and claimed the coach remains on good terms with the program.

D’Argenio then spoke on the upcoming process of hiring a new coach. He stated that the school will not be hiring a consulting firm to help them find candidates, and there is no timed deadline for when they want to hire a head coach. While the program has been aware of a number of coaches expressed interest in the position, D’Argenio said he has not yet spoken directly to any candidates. However, the Athletic Director did mention Siena assistant coach, Mitch Buonaguro, as a possible option for the job.

“Mitch has been with us and a big part of our success. We need to respect that, and he’s somebody who I’m interested in talking to and I’m sure I will before the week is out.”

Next year’s seniors Ryan Rossiter and Clarence Jackson commented on the team’s reaction of being disappointed, but also realistic. Since McCaffery’s name has been speculated for a number of coaching positions the news didn’t come as a shock to his players. Rossiter talked about his feelings on McCaffery’s decision to leave Siena:

“I was angry, yes, but not at coach McCaffery. I was kind of angry that I wouldn’t be able to play for him my senior year. That’s something I would’ve loved to do. There’s no hard feelings between me and coach McCaffery…I’m just really happy for him.”

Rossiter did acknowledge some of the younger underclassmen players initially took it hard that they won’t be able to play for the man who recruited them. Even though some players may be upset, Jackson said the team veterans have already started to keep up everyone’s concentration toward next season.

“We’re coming to together and just trying to stick together…trying to keep the focus and keep the Siena logo on our chest…I think we’re doing a great job of that right now. Everybody is just trying to get past it, and we’re excited about what’s going to come next.”