Frank Maloney, 1974-1980
Head Coach
Record at SU: 32-46 (.410)
It's hard to replace a coaching legend like Ben Schwartzwalder, but Frank Maloney did just that when he took over as head coach prior to the 1974 season. Armed with Syracuse greats like Joe Morris and Art Monk, the Maloney era brought some success to Syracuse, culminating in 1979 with the team's first bowl win in nearly twenty years, followed by the team's first season in the Carrier Dome. The Orange enjoyed two other winning seasons under Maloney in 1975 and in 1979. In 1978, Maloney coached the Orange in the final game played at Archbold Stadium. The Orange emerged victorious, topping nationally-ranked Navy, 20-17, in front of 26,429 fans.
The 1979 season is particularly notable, as the razing of Archbold Stadium coupled with the construction of the Carrier Dome forced the team to play its entire season away from Syracuse. "Home" games during the regular season were played in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Orchard Park, New York, Philadelphia and in nearby Ithaca. At the end of the season, Maloney and offensive coordinator Tom Coughlin, who would later enjoy a successful NFL coaching career, led Syracuse to a 31-7 victory over McNeese State in the Independence Bowl. It was the first bowl triumph for the Orange since the 1961 Liberty Bowl.
The following season saw the inaugural campaign at the Carrier Dome. The new facility was unveiled on September 20, 1980, with a 36-24 victory over Miami (Ohio) in front of 50,564 fans, a home attendance mark that still stands today.
Maloney left Syracuse after the 1980 season. In all, five SU players from his coaching tenure were named to Syracuse's All-Century Team, and two were named All-Americans.
| Season | Wins | Losses | Notes |
| 1974 | 2 | 9 | |
| 1975 | 6 | 5 | Linebacker Ray Preston named first team All-American |
| 1976 | 3 | 8 | Five SU seniors invited to American Bowl |
| 1977 | 6 | 5 | Won four straight to close out the season |
| 1978 | 3 | 8 | Upset #18 Navy at home 20-17 on November 11, the last game played at Archbold Stadium |
| 1979 | 7 | 5 |
Played entire season at road or neutral stadia; |
| 1980 | 5 | 6 | Carrier Dome Opens |
| Career | 32 | 46 |
