Northwestern men's basketball assistant coach Brian James is leaving Chris Collins' staff after completing his 13th season in Evanston.
Chris Collins and the Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball team will have a hole to fill on their coaching staff for 2026-27.
News broke Thursday that Brian James, the special assistant to the head coach, is leaving the Wildcats' program.
The Wildcats' official men's basketball X account said goodbye to the departing James after he officially announced his retirement from coaching.
"Thank you, BJ," the account wrote with a purple heart emoji.
James spent 50 years in basketball across the NBA, college and high school levels while endearing himself to Northwestern students, faculty and hoops fans along the way.
James Looks Back Fondly on Time in Evanston
James looked back with fondness at his time in Evanston in a statement released by the university.
"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.
James helped lead the 'Cats to their first ever NCAA Tournament victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores on March 16, 2017.
"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," James said.
"Thank you to all of our coaches, players and colleagues," he added. "The friendship I've made at NU will always be cherished."
Collins Thanks Departing NU Coach
Collins, who will enter his 14th season in Evanston this coming fall, thanked James for his accomplished career with the Wildcats, calling the situation "bittersweet."
James served as Collins' head coach at Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Ill., and also joined Collins' father, Doug, as an assistant with the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.
"I want to congratulate Brian James on an amazing 50 year career in coaching," Chris 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."
James served as an NBA assistant coach for five different teams and played an "integral role" in everything the Wildcats did, according to Collins.
In 2017, James drew up Northwestern's magical full length-of-the-court pass from Nathan Taphorn to Dererk Pardon. The ensuing basket resulted in a 67-65 win over Michigan on March 2017 at Welsh-Ryan Arena, which eventually led the Wildcats to their first NCAA Tournament berth in program history.
A familiar, guiding light by Coach Collins' side, James' presence will be missed in Evanston as the Wildcats will now begin a search for his replacement.
