Northwestern University hired Chris Collins as the 24th head coach of the Wildcats men’s basketball program on Wednesday.
Collins will remain in his current position as the Associate Head Coach at Duke through the NCAA Tournament. Duke meets Michigan State in the Sweet 16 on Friday in Indianapolis.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Chris, his wife, Kim, and their children, Ryan and Kate, home to Chicago and into the Northwestern family,” said Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Jim Phillips. “He has a tremendous pedigree as a basketball coach and will be an outstanding leader for Chicago’s Big Ten Team, and mentor for our student-athletes. After a thorough and comprehensive search process, there is no doubt he is a perfect fit for this institution and our men’s basketball program.”
“I’m so grateful to President Schapiro, Chairman Osborn and Dr. Phillips for the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at one of the premier universities in the world, to compete in the Big Ten Conference, and to do so in my hometown,” said Collins. “Northwestern University is a special place that strives for excellence in every regard, and our program will be no different. I can’t possibly thank Coach Krzyzewski and Duke University enough for preparing me for this day.”
A native of Northbrook, Ill., Collins has served on Krzyzewski’s staff at his alma mater since 2000, and was named Associate Head Coach in 2008. During his 13 seasons on the Blue Devils’ staff, Duke compiled an overall record of 356-72, eight ACC tournament championships, four ACC regular season titles, eight in-season tournament titles and national championships in 2001 and 2010.
Collins also served as a court coach and scout for the USA Basketball Senior National Team with on-court duties as well as game preparation from 2006-12. His tenure included the program’s gold-medal performances at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2010 FIBA World Championships and 2012 London Olympics.
The move has implications for Gill St. Bernard’s point guard Jaren Sina, who reopened his recruitment after former coach Bill Carmody was fired.
Sina told SNY.tv Sunday that he is considering Northwestern, Seton Hall and Alabama, although Indiana has also reached out “multiple times,” a source sadid.
Asked specifically about a Collins hiring, Sina told SNY.tv: “I’d obviously have to speak with my family and sit down with whomever is hired and go through the process again.”
