Northwestern extends basketball coach Chris Collins through 2024-25 season

Northwestern coach Chris Collins has signed a contract extension through the 2024-25 season, the university announced Tuesday.

Collins was rewarded after guiding the Wildcats to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance this past season. Northwestern also set a school mark for victories.

The Wildcats (24-12) defeated Vanderbilt in the first round of the tourney before losing to Gonzaga in the second.

"My family and I could not be more excited to be a part of the Wildcats' community for many years to come," Collins said in a statement. "I have absolutely loved coaching here, the support that we've received from the university, its leadership and our fans has been exceptional.

"We love being a part of the Northwestern family and we can't wait to continue building on the foundation established over the last four seasons."

Collins, 43, has led the Wildcats to back-to-back 20-win campaigns -- the program had just two such seasons prior to his arrival -- while compiling a 73-60 mark over four seasons.

Collins attended high school less than 10 miles away from the Northwestern campus and is well attached to the Chicago area. He is the son of former NBA player and coach Doug Collins, who is now an ESPN hoops analyst.

Chris Collins played collegiately at Duke and was a member of the school's coaching staff before Northwestern hired him prior to the 2013-14 campaign.

Northwestern also announced an extension for football coach Pat Fitzgerald through the 2026 season on Tuesday.