Washington is hiring Syracuse assistant Mike Hopkins, the school announced on Sunday. Hopkins was named the Orange’s head coach-designate in June 2015, following the expected retirement of current head coach Jim Boeheim at the end of next season. Hopkins agreed to a six-year deal with Washington, according to ESPN.

“The University of Washington is such a unique place, with a world-class University, an exciting basketball history and unbelievable fan support,” Hopkins said in the Washington press release. “Together, I believe we can build something very special in Seattle, and I can’t wait to get started.”

“I can’t express enough thanks to Coach Boeheim for so many years of mentorship and guidance,” Hopkins said. “The timing is right for me and my family to make this move.”

Hopkins played for Syracuse from 1989-93 and has been an assistant with SU since 1996. The former Orange guard has primarily worked with centers since 2011 after switching from working with guards.

He served as Syracuse’s head coach during Boeheim’s NCAA-mandated nine-game suspension. The Orange went 4-5 during that stretch, including losses to Georgetown, St. John’s and Pittsburgh.

“I’m honored, humbled and grateful for this special opportunity,” said Hopkins in Syracuse’s official release when he was named coach-designate in June 2015. “Very few people are afforded the privilege to coach at their alma mater. I want to thank Chancellor Syverud, the Board of Trustees and Jim Boeheim for entrusting me with this great program.

“Coach Boeheim has created one of the most preeminent college basketball programs in the country, one that is committed to a standard of excellence and consistency.”