Northwestern names Collins men's basketball head coach

Evanston, IL – Northwestern University announced Wednesday that the school has hired Chris Collins as the Wildcats' next men's basketball head coach.

Collins, who is currently an assistant and associate head coach at Duke University, become's Northwestern's 24th leader of the men's basketball program.

"We're thrilled to welcome Chris, his wife, Kim, and their children, Ryan and Kate, home to Chicago and into the Northwestern family," vice president for athletics & recreation Jim Phillips said. "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."

The 38-year-old Collins, who will stay with Duke as the team still plays out its season in the Sweet 16, is a former four-year letterwinner for the Blue Devils from 1993-96. He ranks 11th on Duke's all-time leading list for made 3- point field goals (209) and earned all Atlantic Coast Conference honors his senior season in Durham.

A native of nearby Northbrook, Illinois, Collins has been with Duke since 2000 and was named associate head coach behind Mike Krzyzewski in 2008. His father, Doug Collins, is the current head coach for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Northwestern recently let go of longtime head coach Bill Carmody, who led the Wildcats to a 13-19 mark this past season and compiled a 192-210 record over 13 years in Evanston. The Wildcats haven't made the NCAA Tournament in 75 years.

The school also announced that a formal news conference will be held at a later date.