As the coach for all three of Northwestern's NCAA tournament appearances, Chris Collins has almost certainly earned the mantle as the greatest coach in program history. Now it appears that he'll be sticking around Evanston, amid rumors of his involvement in the coaching search at Villanova.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reports that Collins is in "deep discussions" on a contract extension that will include "additional years, a raise and provide him more resources for the staff and program."
The deal would ensure Collins’ 12-year run at the school continues long term. Collins led Northwestern to its first-ever NCAA tournament in 2017 and also two NCAA Tournament in the last three years. He’s the program’s second all-time leader in wins with 194.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 21, 2025
Collins, who took over Northwestern ahead of the 2013–14 season, previously served as an assistant for Mike Krzyzewski at Duke from 2000 to '13. He is 194–189 as Wildcats coach, with a Big Ten record of 86–142.
Northwestern's NCAA tournament trips in 2017, '23 and '24 are the first three in program history. Each ended in a trip to the round of 32.
He is 42 wins shy of the program's all-time record, held by Arthur Lonborg, who led Northwestern from 1927 to '50.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Northwestern's Chris Collins in Talks for New Contract Amid Villanova Rumors.
