UIC coach Collins retires after 14 seasons

Jul 20, 2010 - 11:53 PM CHICAGO(AP) -- Jimmy Collins will retire in August after 14 seasons at UIC, a run that had him as the school's all-time wins leader and resulted in three NCAA tournament berths.

Collins, who had a 218-208 record with the Flames, announced his decision Tuesday.

Athletic director Jim Schmidt said he will conduct a national search for the next coach.

Collins, who played on New Mexico State's 1970 Final Four team, began his coaching career as an assistant to Lou Henson at Illinois for 13 years. Henson coached Collins in college.

He was chosen as Midwestern Collegiate Conference co-coach of the year after his first season with the Flames. He led them to the NCAA tournament in 1998, 2002 and 2004, the school's only appearances. Under Collins, UIC had four 20-win seasons.