After a 50-year coaching career at the high school, collegiate and NBA level, Northwestern men’s basketball’s Special Assistant to the Head Coach Brian James has announced his retirement. Coach James spent 13 years on Chris Collins’ staff, holding the title of special assistant for the last four seasons. Their relationship dates back to Collins’ high school days, when James coached him at Glenbrook North High School from 1989-92. In 2010, he worked under Doug Collins — Collins’ father — for three seasons as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Since joining NU in 2013, he has helped Collins elevate Northwestern into the national spotlight, including guiding the program to its first three NCAA Tournament appearances. James designed NU’s out of bounds plays, most famously “The Play” in 2017 — Nathan Taphorn’s full-court dime to Dererk Pardon for the game-winner over Michigan that helped garner Northwestern’s first NCAA Tournament berth. He also supported player development, particularly of NU’s strongest post players like Alex Olah, Pardon and Matthew Nicholson. James spent 18 year coaching high school basketball, holding a 196-79 record while winning five league titles at Glenbrook North. He then spent 14 seasons the NBA as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks and 76ers.
James brought his storied coaching career to a close to spend more time with his family and friends. The impact James left on Northwestern is best reflected in this tribute video featuring current and former Wildcat players and coaches.
