By Shannon Ryan After 14 seasons as the Illinois-Chicago head basketball coach, Jimmy Collins has decided to retire.
Among his highlights include guiding UIC to its first three NCAA tournament berths in school history and becoming the all-time winningest coach in school history with 218 victories.
"It is difficult to leave UIC and the great student-athletes who are returning," Collins said in a statement released on Tuesday night. "After much introspection, I feel it is my time to enjoy retirement and have more time with my family."
He will conclude his duties on Aug. 31 and the school will launch a search for a replacement.
Photo: UIC coach Jimmy Collins. (Tribune file photo)
Named head coach of the Flames on March 27, 1996 after spending the previous 13 seasons as an assistant to Lou Henson at Illinois. Collins went 218-208 in 14 seasons at UIC, winning 20 or more games in a season four times.
Athletics director Jim Schmidt will conduct a national search for the next UIC head coach.
"We anticipate great interest in our head men's basketball coaching position," said Schmidt. "The UIC men's basketball program will have the components for an excellent future."
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Athletics director Jim Schmidt will conduct a national search for the next UIC head coach.
"We anticipate great interest in our head men's basketball coaching position," said Schmidt. "The UIC men's basketball program will have the components for an excellent future."
Get the full story here.
As a kid in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1970--I have such fond memories of Jimmy Colins at NMSU. Jimmy was a fan favorite at the Pan American Center. I'll never forget his sweet above the head soft shot. Those days with Lou Henson as the coach with Sam Lacey, Jeff Burgess, Charlie Criss and others were special. -----I so wish Jimmy a happy retirement and I thank him for the fun he brought to my life. John-Las Cruces, New Mexico
First, I'd like to wish Jimmy the best in his retirement. I always thought he was a great spokesman for UIC. But this is long overdue. UIC has been suffering for years, with loss of scholarships and players being suspended and leaving the team. Not to mention the complete lack of success. In 14 years, 1 tie for 1st place in conference. Just 3 NCAA bids and 1 NIT bid....0 postseason wins. Not even a chance at postseason since the last time we made it. UIC has a lot of work to do to catch up to conference foes. We've been digging ourselves a hole for years and it won't be easy climbing out. I do expect a lot of interest in this job. Anybody would be an improvement at this point.
Go Flames!
Jimmy is a class act. Loved him down in Champaign, and followed the Flames because of him as well. Best of luck in the future, Jimmy!
As a graduate of UIC, just want to wish Jimmy the best in his retirement.