The first NCAA tournament was held on Northwestern's campus in 1939. It is the closest the Wildcats have ever been to it.
Bill Carmody managed a few close calls during his 12-year tenure, but he was fired after the 2012-13 season. In comes Chris Collins, a Chicagoland native with a Duke pedigree.
He would seem to be an excellent fit. Collins played for Mike Krzyzewski and coached alongside him. He understands academic rigors. He has seen how to win at the highest level. He has maintained recruiting ties in fertile areas of Illinois.
But this is Northwestern. If Collins is looking for a challenge, he has found it. Read what ESPN.com's Eamonn Brennan has to say about the new coach and his chances here.
