Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange. (Getty Images)

Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange. (Getty Images) Credit: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange. (Getty Images)

The Big East and Syracuse reached an agreement that paves the way for the Orange to leave the conference in July 2013, a year earlier than conference bylaws had required, according to statements from both the league and the school.

The Orange, who agreed with Pittsburgh in October 2011 to leave the conference for the ACC, will now play out their last season in the Big East in all sports, including basketball under Big East coaching icon Jim Boeheim.

"This closes a chapter and opens a new one filled with exciting possibilities for the Big East's future," interim commissioner Joe Baily said in a news release. "With the recent addition of eight schools to the Big East, the future for the conference has never been brighter."

Central Florida, Houston, Memphis, Southern Methodist and Temple will all join as full members in 2013, while Boise State and San Diego State will play football starting in 2013, and Navy in 2015.

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