Noted for his opinions as well as 920 wins and national championship ATLANTA — This is Jim Boeheim at twilight.
He is 68, and has had the same job at the same school for 37 years, and the only thing more perennial in Syracuse is snow. Even more striking than his 920 wins is the fact he has stayed put in a profession where men move quickly as if they are double parked. Where sooner or later, by choice or force, it is time to go.
"I like where I am," he said Thursday. "I don't like the other side of the fence. I never have.
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"About 10 years ago, I thought it was my last year. I really did. I'm still here."
This is Jim Boeheim back in the Final Four.
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Not all the headlines have been good. Far from it. There have been reports of an NCAA investigation into various allegations. There was the Bernie Fine mess. And yet his team is here and the applause loud and the accomplishment unmistakable. He has come to savor these moments, rather than agonize about them. It does not take long watching Boeheim to realize he is a serial agonizer.
"I have fun with it now, but in the beginning it was real difficult," he said of the Final Four. "Trouble with this week is, you know that if you don't win, it's heartbreaking for everybody."
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He's had his heart broken twice. But then, there was the 2003 championship.
"No matter what anybody says, if you win this thing, it's pretty good. They can never say, `Well, he's won a lot of games, but he's never won this."'
SYRACUSE: Orange's 2-3 zone key to Final Four run
This is Jim Boeheim, reflecting Thursday on the start of it all.
"I came to Syracuse as a walk-on 50 years ago and I didn't think I was going to last through the first year then. (Future NBA star) Dave Bing jumped on my head and I didn't get a shot off the whole day. My mother had the best line of all time when I told her that. She said, 'What about the other players?' She said everything would work out. She was right."
And also reflecting on where he is now .
"I still get mad (at criticism). That's why I'm still coaching. When I stop getting mad about this stuff, I won't matter and I won't be coaching."
PHOTOS: HIGHEST-PAID COACHES IN 2013 TOURNAMENT 
No. 21 North Carolina's Roy Williams. $1,773,938. Williams' actual compensation is considerably higher than the total listed. Per university policy, he filed paperwork seeking permission that was granted to receive additional income in under a shoe and apparel contract and a media contract, to have paid speaking engagements and to operate a camp.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 20 Oregon's Dana Altman. Altman can get bonuses based on the Ducks' performance in the Pacific-12 regular season and conference tournament, ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 each. If the team wins the regular-season and tournament titles in the same season, Altman gets an additional $25,000.]()
No. 20 Oregon's Dana Altman. Altman can get bonuses based on the Ducks' performance in the Pacific-12 regular season and conference tournament, ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 each. If the team wins the regular-season and tournament titles in the same season, Altman gets an additional $25,000.
Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 19 Pittsburgh's Jamie Dixon. $1,830,176. During the 2010 calendar year, the period covered by the university's most recently available federal tax return that was prepared as part of Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, Dixon's total included $978,154 in base pay; $681,905 in bonuses and incentives; and $129,402 in retirement and other deferred compensation.]()
No. 19 Pittsburgh's Jamie Dixon. $1,830,176. During the 2010 calendar year, the period covered by the university's most recently available federal tax return that was prepared as part of Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, Dixon's total included $978,154 in base pay; $681,905 in bonuses and incentives; and $129,402 in retirement and other deferred compensation.
Frank Victores, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 18 Michigan's John Beilein. $1,865,975.Beilein's contract calls for his pay from the school to increase from $1.8 million to $1.9 million for the 2013-14 season. The agreement includes only two bonus provisions – he can get $25,000 each season the team plays in the NCAA tournament and an additional $25,000 for each tournament win.]()
No. 18 Michigan's John Beilein. $1,865,975. Beilein's contract calls for his pay from the school to increase from $1.8 million to $1.9 million for the 2013-14 season. The agreement includes only two bonus provisions – he can get $25,000 each season the team plays in the NCAA tournament and an additional $25,000 for each tournament win.
Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 17 Syracuse's Jim Boeheim. $1,905,576. During the 2010 calendar year, the period covered by the university's most recently available federal tax return, Boeheim's total included $1,577,523 in base pay; $130,000 in bonuses and incentives; and $80,000 in retirement and other deferred compensation.]()
No. 17 Syracuse's Jim Boeheim. $1,905,576. During the 2010 calendar year, the period covered by the university's most recently available federal tax return, Boeheim's total included $1,577,523 in base pay; $130,000 in bonuses and incentives; and $80,000 in retirement and other deferred compensation.
Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 16 North Carolina State's Mark Gottfried. $1,950,000. By reaching the NCAA tournament in his first season at the school, he triggered an automatic extension. However, following the team's advance to the round of 16, the university also gave him a new contract that included a $750,000 increase in his annual compensation and raised his bonus maximum to more than $1.3 million.]()
No. 16 North Carolina State's Mark Gottfried. $1,950,000. By reaching the NCAA tournament in his first season at the school, he triggered an automatic extension. However, following the team's advance to the round of 16, the university also gave him a new contract that included a $750,000 increase in his annual compensation and raised his bonus maximum to more than $1.3 million.
J.D. Mercer, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 15 Oklahoma's Lon Kruger. $2,100,000. When Kruger last appeared in the NCAA tournament, as Nevada-Las Vegas' coach, he was making $1.14 million. Now, in addition to having nearly double the pay (and guaranteed annual increases of $100,000), Kruger gets up to 20 hours of private airplane availability every year.]()
No. 15 Oklahoma's Lon Kruger. $2,100,000. When Kruger last appeared in the NCAA tournament, as Nevada-Las Vegas' coach, he was making $1.14 million. Now, in addition to having nearly double the pay (and guaranteed annual increases of $100,000), Kruger gets up to 20 hours of private airplane availability every year.
Scott Sewell, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 14 Tubby Smith, formerly of Minnesota. $2,100,000. Smith was fired March 25 – about eight months after he had received a contract extension. The extension included an increase in the buyout he would receive if terminated without cause. As a result, he will receive a $2.5 million buyout instead of the $1.5 million called for prior to the extension.]()
No. 14 Tubby Smith, formerly of Minnesota. $2,100,000. Smith was fired March 25 – about eight months after he had received a contract extension. The extension included an increase in the buyout he would receive if terminated without cause. As a result, he will receive a $2.5 million buyout instead of the $1.5 million called for prior to the extension.
Greg Bartram, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 13 Georgetown's John Thompson III. $2,211,250. During the 2010 calendar year, the period covered by the university's most recently available federal tax return, Thompson's total included $789,498 in base pay, $15,000 in bonuses and incentives; and $1,361,750 in other compensation.]()
No. 13 Georgetown's John Thompson III. $2,211,250. During the 2010 calendar year, the period covered by the university's most recently available federal tax return, Thompson's total included $789,498 in base pay, $15,000 in bonuses and incentives; and $1,361,750 in other compensation.
Debby Wong, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 12 Ben Howland, formerly of UCLA. $2,250,000.The Bruins won the Pacific-12 Conference regular season championship, but they lost in the NCAA tournament round of 64 and Howland was fired March 24. He had been at the school for 10 seasons and led the team to three Final Four appearances. He is scheduled to receive $3.5 million in buyout pay under a contract that had been set to run through April 2, 2017.]()
No. 12 Ben Howland, formerly of UCLA. $2,250,000.The Bruins won the Pacific-12 Conference regular season championship, but they lost in the NCAA tournament round of 64 and Howland was fired March 24. He had been at the school for 10 seasons and led the team to three Final Four appearances. He is scheduled to receive $3.5 million in buyout pay under a contract that had been set to run through April 2, 2017.
Brendan Maloney, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 11 Oklahoma State's Travis Ford. $2,275,000.Ford is the only coach at a public school in this year’s tournament whose contract does not include any provisions for incentive bonuses. His compensation for next season is scheduled to increase by $175,000, beginning July 1.]()
No. 11 Oklahoma State's Travis Ford. $2,275,000.Ford is the only coach at a public school in this year’s tournament whose contract does not include any provisions for incentive bonuses. His compensation for next season is scheduled to increase by $175,000, beginning July 1.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 10 Villanova's Jay Wright. $2,290,346. During the 2010 calendar year, the period covered by the university's most recently available federal tax return, Wright's total included $2,255,332 in base compensation the return said was for coaching the team and "weekly radio appearances, and television appearances."]()
No. 10 Villanova's Jay Wright. $2,290,346. During the 2010 calendar year, the period covered by the university's most recently available federal tax return, Wright's total included $2,255,332 in base compensation the return said was for coaching the team and "weekly radio appearances, and television appearances."
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 9 Wisconsin's Bo Ryan. $2,357,000. Ryan is scheduled to receive a $25,000 pay increase annually.]()
No. 9 Wisconsin's Bo Ryan. $2,357,000. Ryan is scheduled to receive a $25,000 pay increase annually.
Peter G. Aiken, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 8 Arizona's Sean Miller. $2,518,506.Miller is guaranteed a $100,000 increase in his compensation each year. Among his $985,000 in potential incentive bonuses is a set of awards for NCAA tournament play that would amount to $675,000 if the Wildcats win the NCAA tournament -- $375,000 for the victory in the final alone.]()
No. 8 Arizona's Sean Miller. $2,518,506.Miller is guaranteed a $100,000 increase in his compensation each year. Among his $985,000 in potential incentive bonuses is a set of awards for NCAA tournament play that would amount to $675,000 if the Wildcats win the NCAA tournament -- $375,000 for the victory in the final alone.
Steve Dykes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 7. Indiana's Tom Crean. $2,886,250.Under a contract extension that Indiana announced on the opening night of the 2012-13 season, Crean’s compensation went up by $646,250 over what he made for the 2011-12 season: the previously scheduled $80,000 increase the deal calls for each year and a new annual deferred compensation amount of $566,250. The extension also added $55,000 per year in possible bonuses for team academic achievement. Crean’s deal now runs through June 30, 2020.]()
No. 7. Indiana's Tom Crean. $2,886,250.Under a contract extension that Indiana announced on the opening night of the 2012-13 season, Crean’s compensation went up by $646,250 over what he made for the 2011-12 season: the previously scheduled $80,000 increase the deal calls for each year and a new annual deferred compensation amount of $566,250. The extension also added $55,000 per year in possible bonuses for team academic achievement. Crean’s deal now runs through June 30, 2020.
Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 6 Ohio State's Thad Matta. $3,194,000.A new contract that became effective July 1, 2012 gave Matta a $340,000 pay increase that moved him into the ranks of coaches making at least $3 million a year. As under his prior agreement, the deal contains built-in annual increases and continues to allow him to add one additional year per season if the Buckeyes win or tie for the Big Ten regular-season championship, win the Big Ten tournament or advance to the NCAA tournament round of eight. The team won the Big Ten tournament and made the NCAA round of eight during 2012-13 season, so Matta’s deal now runs through June 30, 2020.]()
No. 6 Ohio State's Thad Matta. $3,194,000.A new contract that became effective July 1, 2012 gave Matta a $340,000 pay increase that moved him into the ranks of coaches making at least $3 million a year. As under his prior agreement, the deal contains built-in annual increases and continues to allow him to add one additional year per season if the Buckeyes win or tie for the Big Ten regular-season championship, win the Big Ten tournament or advance to the NCAA tournament round of eight. The team won the Big Ten tournament and made the NCAA round of eight during 2012-13 season, so Matta’s deal now runs through June 30, 2020.
Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 5 Florida's Billy Donovan. $3,689,200.As his deal is currently constructed, Donovan’s compensation for the 2013-14 season is scheduled to be lower than what he is receiving for the 2012-13 campaign. The difference comes from a scheduled $160,000 reduction in his annual longevity incentive payment, which is set to drop to $340,000 from $500,000. The decline was part of a three-year contract extension he signed in late 2011 that keeps him under contract through the 2015-16 season.]()
No. 5 Florida's Billy Donovan. $3,689,200.As his deal is currently constructed, Donovan’s compensation for the 2013-14 season is scheduled to be lower than what he is receiving for the 2012-13 campaign. The difference comes from a scheduled $160,000 reduction in his annual longevity incentive payment, which is set to drop to $340,000 from $500,000. The decline was part of a three-year contract extension he signed in late 2011 that keeps him under contract through the 2015-16 season.
Brendan Maloney, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 4 Michigan State's Tom Izzo. $3,745,769.After being increased by about $31,000 from 2010-11 to 2011-12, Izzo’s compensation from the school went up by nearly $100,000 for this season. In addition, his athletically related outside income increased by a little more than $47,200. Izzo works under a rolling seven-year contract that is scheduled to renew every June 30, unless the school provides written notice to the contrary on or before April 15.]()
No. 4 Michigan State's Tom Izzo. $3,745,769.After being increased by about $31,000 from 2010-11 to 2011-12, Izzo’s compensation from the school went up by nearly $100,000 for this season. In addition, his athletically related outside income increased by a little more than $47,200. Izzo works under a rolling seven-year contract that is scheduled to renew every June 30, unless the school provides written notice to the contrary on or before April 15.
Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 3. Kansas' Bill Self. $4,960,763.Self is now working under a 10-year contract that became effective April 1, 2012. If he completes it, the new deal will pay him just under $50 million, not including incentives. The agreement was reached after the Jayhawks reached the 2012 NCAA tournament final and replaced one that had been unchanged since it began in 2008.]()
No. 3. Kansas' Bill Self. $4,960,763.Self is now working under a 10-year contract that became effective April 1, 2012. If he completes it, the new deal will pay him just under $50 million, not including incentives. The agreement was reached after the Jayhawks reached the 2012 NCAA tournament final and replaced one that had been unchanged since it began in 2008.
Denny Medle, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 2 Louisville's Rick Pitino. $4,973,343.In July 2012, Louisville and Pitino agreed to a new contract that extended his term through June 2022. His basic annual compensation is scheduled to remain $3.9 million throughout the deal, but he will receive a series of five $600,000 lump sum payments ($3 million altogether) if remains Louisville’s head coach on March 31 of 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022.]()
No. 2 Louisville's Rick Pitino. $4,973,343.In July 2012, Louisville and Pitino agreed to a new contract that extended his term through June 2022. His basic annual compensation is scheduled to remain $3.9 million throughout the deal, but he will receive a series of five $600,000 lump sum payments ($3 million altogether) if remains Louisville’s head coach on March 31 of 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022.
Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![No. 1 Duke's Mike Krzyzewski. $7,233,976. The 2010 calendar year, the period covered by the university's most recently available federal tax return, was a very good one for Coach K. He won his fourth NCAA championship, and his total compensation included $1,979,257 in base pay; $3,747,906 in bonuses and incentives; and $1,447,339 in retirement and other deferred compensation.]()
No. 1 Duke's Mike Krzyzewski. $7,233,976. The 2010 calendar year, the period covered by the university's most recently available federal tax return, was a very good one for Coach K. He won his fourth NCAA championship, and his total compensation included $1,979,257 in base pay; $3,747,906 in bonuses and incentives; and $1,447,339 in retirement and other deferred compensation.
Mark Dolejs, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay
Autoplay Show Thumbnails Show Captions Fullscreen Last Slide Next Slide "Somebody asked me last year, 'You're not worried about if you have a bad year are you?' I said, 'Yeah, you don't get bad years at Syracuse.' I mean, if you don't win you're too old or something. There'll be something they come up with.
"There'd be too much noise, and I don't like noise."
"I worry about everything I could have done in every situation. I'm too sensitive to this stuff. It's just the way I'm built. I try not to be. I'm think-skinned. Nobody likes criticism."
This is Jim Boeheim, ready to face a most ironic opponent Saturday. Michigan's John Beilen has the same upstate New York roots and the two go back together to the early days. But Beilein has hopped from job to job, and reclamation project to reclamation project.
"You cannot get stale when you're fighting for your life in all those situations I was in," Beilein said. But now the fighting road has taken him back to Boeheim, and a brightly lit stage.
"He's one of greatest minds in basketball, about anything," Beilein said of Boeheim. "You ask him about college football, he'll tell you. You ask him about North Korea right now, he probably knows all about that. He is a smart guy. I think the Syracuse people already know that."
So let's ask Boeheim about the Mike Rice tapes at Rutgers.
"I think the tragedy is his team would have played exactly the same or better if he hadn't done any of that. If he never threw a ball, if he never touched anybody, his team would have played I think better, in my experience.
"I watched 10 seconds of the video. I couldn't watch it, honestly. I couldn't watch it anymore."
Or about how Rick Pitino's ability to win at so many places proved him as a great coach.
"I might not be. I've . . . won at Syracuse. That's all I could ever prove."
Here's Jim Boeheim, fulfilled if not always sounding like it, and who knows if this is the last Final Four of his life? Or how far he can go with this defensive-minded team that can look so ugly and make the opponent look even uglier?
"I've been really lucky," he said. It is an amazing journey, even with its flaws. Most amazing, it's not over yet.
HIGHLIGHTS: FINAL FOUR TEAMS CELEBRATING 
The Louisville Cardinals celebrate winning the Midwest Regional, dispatching Duke 85-63 on March 31.
Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva raises a Midwest Regional Champions shirt following his 16-point performance in the win]()
Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva raises a Midwest Regional Champions shirt following his 16-point performance in the win
Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals players Tim Henderson (15) and Montrezl Harrell (24) embrace after defeating Duke.]()
Louisville Cardinals players Tim Henderson (15) and Montrezl Harrell (24) embrace after defeating Duke.
Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports
