Northwestern University has hired Chris Collins as the 24th head coach of the Wildcats men’s basketball program, the school announced on Wednesday.
Collins will remain in his current position as the Associate Head Coach at Duke University until the conclusion of the Blue Devils’ 2013 season. A formal news conference will be held at a later date.
"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 head coach Mike 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.
After capping his career at Glenbrook North High School by winning Illinois’ ‘Mr. Basketball’ Award, Collins excelled as a four-year letterwinner at Duke from 1993-96, serving as a team captain and earning All-ACC honors during his senior season. He currently ranks 11th among Duke’s all-time leaders in three-point field goals (209) and 10th in three-point field goal attempts (539). Collins was a member of a Duke senior class that earned 83 total victories, three NCAA tournament bids, one Final Four appearance, two ACC regular season championships and an ACC tournament title.
