Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Brian James Announces Retirement After 13 Seasons at Northwestern, More Than A Half-Century in Basketball
6/18/2026 9:46:00 AM | Men's Basketball
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern men's basketball Special Assistant to the Head Coach Brian James announced his retirement from an illustrious, 50-year coaching career on Thursday.
James' career included stops at the NBA, collegiate and high school levels. He first crossed paths with Sullivan-Ubben Head Men's basketball Coach Chris Collins at Glenbrook North High School, where James coached Collins from 1989 to 1992.
"After 13 of the best years of my life at the best and most prestigious university, the time has come for me to invest more in my family, granddaughter, and friends," James said. "Working alongside Chris Collins for 16 years and sharing unforgettable moments, including our first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, clinched by a special "Hail Mary" victory, three NCAA Tournament wins, victories over multiple ranked teams, beating the No. 1 team twice, along with many last-second wins, has been one of the great privileges of my career."
"Thank you to all of our coaches, players, and colleagues. The friendships I've made at NU will always be cherished."
James spent the past 13 seasons on Collins' staff, helping the Wildcats make their first three NCAA Tournament appearances in program history 2017, 2023 and 2024.
He held his post of special assistant to the head coach for the past four years.
"I want to congratulate Brian James on an amazing 50 year career in coaching," Collins said. "He has left his mark at every level in our sport, high school, college and the NBA. Today is a bittersweet day. Coach James came into my life when I was 14 years old, and he has been family ever since."
During his tenure, James worked directly with Northwestern's post players and designed out of bounds plays. He helped develop the school's top three most prolific shot-blockers in Alex Olah, Dererk Pardon and Matthew Nicholson.
He drew up "The Play," Nathan Taphorn's length-of-the-court pass to Pardon that resulted in a buzzer-beating 67-65 win for Northwestern over Michigan in 2017 that all but clinched NU's first NCAA Tournament berth in program history. "Line tight," James' signature baseline out of bounds play has been a calling card in late-game scenarios.
Prior to his time in Evanston, James worked under Collins' father — Doug Collins — for three seasons (2010-2013) as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers. The duo helped the Sixers reach the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals.
James coached in the NBA for 14 years, holding assistant coaching roles with the Detroit Pistons (1995-1998), Toronto Raptors (1998-2001), Washington Wizards (2001-2003), Milwaukee Bucks (2005-2008) and Sixers. He was also a scout, a TV commentator for Comcast SportsNet and an analyst for ESPN.com, totaling 18 years of service in the NBA.
Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, Joe Dumars, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Tony Kukoc, Michael Redd, Rip Hamilton, Jrue Holiday, Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala were among the All-NBA Players James coached in the professional ranks. He coached with Naismith Hall of Fame Head Coaches Doug Collins and Lenny Wilkens.
Before he ascended the professional coaching ranks, James became one of the most respected coaches in Illinois high school basketball. His preps coaching career began in the late 1970s, when James accepted the head coaching position at Wilmington.
In an 18-year high school coaching career, James accumulated a record of 196-79, winning 71.3% of his games. He coached at Glenbrook North, Romeoville and Wilmington. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Taylorville. His teams appeared in four Illinois state tournaments.
At Glenbrook North, James won five league titles. There, he coached a young Collins to McDonald's All-American honors and the title of Illinois Mr. Basketball.
James' college coaching career spans back more than a half-century, when he became an undergraduate student assistant at Illinois State. During that time, he met Doug Collins, who'd just wrapped up a storied career with the Redbirds before heading to the NBA. Their early interactions ultimately paved the way for James' storied 13-year run with the 'Cats.
"He was the first person I wanted to hire to join me here at Northwestern and he has been with me every step of the way for the past 13 years," Collins said. "I will forever cherish our time together and all the amazing memories and moments we were able to create and share."
"He has played an integral role in everything we have done, and has been a huge part of the development of so many Wildcat greats. I am excited for Coach James to enjoy retirement and spend more time with his wonderful family. He deserves nothing but the very best."
James' career included stops at the NBA, collegiate and high school levels. He first crossed paths with Sullivan-Ubben Head Men's basketball Coach Chris Collins at Glenbrook North High School, where James coached Collins from 1989 to 1992.
"After 13 of the best years of my life at the best and most prestigious university, the time has come for me to invest more in my family, granddaughter, and friends," James said. "Working alongside Chris Collins for 16 years and sharing unforgettable moments, including our first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, clinched by a special "Hail Mary" victory, three NCAA Tournament wins, victories over multiple ranked teams, beating the No. 1 team twice, along with many last-second wins, has been one of the great privileges of my career."
Thank you, BJ ??
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) June 18, 2026
Special Assistant to the Head Coach Brian James has announced his retirement, completing a career spanning 50 years in basketball across multiple levels including the NBA, college and high school ranks. A member of Head Coach Chris Collins' original staff 13… pic.twitter.com/9W1LOEIHOW
"Thank you to all of our coaches, players, and colleagues. The friendships I've made at NU will always be cherished."
James spent the past 13 seasons on Collins' staff, helping the Wildcats make their first three NCAA Tournament appearances in program history 2017, 2023 and 2024.
He held his post of special assistant to the head coach for the past four years.
"I want to congratulate Brian James on an amazing 50 year career in coaching," Collins said. "He has left his mark at every level in our sport, high school, college and the NBA. Today is a bittersweet day. Coach James came into my life when I was 14 years old, and he has been family ever since."
During his tenure, James worked directly with Northwestern's post players and designed out of bounds plays. He helped develop the school's top three most prolific shot-blockers in Alex Olah, Dererk Pardon and Matthew Nicholson.
He drew up "The Play," Nathan Taphorn's length-of-the-court pass to Pardon that resulted in a buzzer-beating 67-65 win for Northwestern over Michigan in 2017 that all but clinched NU's first NCAA Tournament berth in program history. "Line tight," James' signature baseline out of bounds play has been a calling card in late-game scenarios.
Prior to his time in Evanston, James worked under Collins' father — Doug Collins — for three seasons (2010-2013) as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers. The duo helped the Sixers reach the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals.
— Brian James (@CoachBrianJames) June 18, 2026
James coached in the NBA for 14 years, holding assistant coaching roles with the Detroit Pistons (1995-1998), Toronto Raptors (1998-2001), Washington Wizards (2001-2003), Milwaukee Bucks (2005-2008) and Sixers. He was also a scout, a TV commentator for Comcast SportsNet and an analyst for ESPN.com, totaling 18 years of service in the NBA.
Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, Joe Dumars, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Tony Kukoc, Michael Redd, Rip Hamilton, Jrue Holiday, Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala were among the All-NBA Players James coached in the professional ranks. He coached with Naismith Hall of Fame Head Coaches Doug Collins and Lenny Wilkens.
Before he ascended the professional coaching ranks, James became one of the most respected coaches in Illinois high school basketball. His preps coaching career began in the late 1970s, when James accepted the head coaching position at Wilmington.
In an 18-year high school coaching career, James accumulated a record of 196-79, winning 71.3% of his games. He coached at Glenbrook North, Romeoville and Wilmington. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Taylorville. His teams appeared in four Illinois state tournaments.
At Glenbrook North, James won five league titles. There, he coached a young Collins to McDonald's All-American honors and the title of Illinois Mr. Basketball.
James' college coaching career spans back more than a half-century, when he became an undergraduate student assistant at Illinois State. During that time, he met Doug Collins, who'd just wrapped up a storied career with the Redbirds before heading to the NBA. Their early interactions ultimately paved the way for James' storied 13-year run with the 'Cats.
"He was the first person I wanted to hire to join me here at Northwestern and he has been with me every step of the way for the past 13 years," Collins said. "I will forever cherish our time together and all the amazing memories and moments we were able to create and share."
"He has played an integral role in everything we have done, and has been a huge part of the development of so many Wildcat greats. I am excited for Coach James to enjoy retirement and spend more time with his wonderful family. He deserves nothing but the very best."
Players Mentioned
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