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Chris Collins Sends Clear Message About His Coaching Future

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 4:04 PM ET

Chris Collins discussed his decision to stay at Northwestern for the long haul.

Last week, Collins signed a multi-year extension that keeps him at Northwestern through 2030. The Wildcats had never made an NCAA tournament appearance before he led them to the Big Dance in 2017, 2023, and 2024.

During a Big Ten Network interview Tuesday, Collins explained why he didn't leave Northwestern amid outside interest.

"My family and I came back to Evanston 12 years ago, after growing up in this area, with the dream of building a program, and being competitive, and going to NCAA tournaments," Collins said. "To watch my kids get through schooling here; my son's going to Northwestern. This is where my heart is. We're happy here. I love the direction of where we're going."

Collins praised the "fresh, new, exciting" leadership of Vice President Mark Jackson as part of his choice to stay. The 50-year-old said he still feels young after nearly three decades of coaching.

"As you get into the last stages of your career, it's where does your heart lie, what makes you happy, where do you want to be," Collins said. "And all those things were Northwestern."

EVANSTON, IL- MARCH 12: Head coach Chris Collins of the Northwestern Wildcats talks to his team after being selected to play Vanderbilt during a NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament Selection Show watch party. This is the first time that Northwestern Men's Basketball team has been selected to play in the NCAA Tournament on March 12, 2017 at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

Asked what it will take to lead Northwestern to loftier heights, Collins cited "complete alignment" between him, the staff, and players. He's on the same page with Jackson, who oversaw two national titles as Villanova's athletic director.

"The conversations I've had with Mark, both of us inspire to have a championship-level program," Collins said. "Listen, it's hard. We know that. A lot of things have to go right. You have to get some breaks along the way."

Having spent 13 years as Mike Krzyzewski's assistant at Duke, Collins has witnessed the winning formula first-hand. After proving his program can win, he's focused on making Northwestern a top destination in a new era of college sports.

"That's how I'm wired. I love challenges," Collins said. "It's why I came to Northwestern, and I'm excited to see what we can do."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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