Doug Collins

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Lore & Background

Collins' professional journey began when he joined Julius Erving on the Sixers in the 1976–77 season. Together, they led Philadelphia to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Portland Trail Blazers. This era defined his playing legacy before a series of injuries to his feet and left knee beginning in 1979 forced his retirement in 1981. In total, he played 415 NBA games, averaging 17.9 points per game. His transition from player to coach started with assistant roles at Penn and Arizona State before he became a CBS commentator. He later returned to the Sixers as head coach in 2010, revitalizing the team immediately.

In Their Own Story

On May 21, 2010, Collins was hired as the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. The season began poorly with a 3–13 start, but the team showed great improvement, eventually clinching the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Under his guidance, the Sixers increased their win total by 14 games over the previous season. They lost to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat in the first round but avoided the predicted sweep. Collins finished second in Coach of the Year voting that season. The following lockout-shortened 2011–2012 season saw him lead Philadelphia to an improved record and the eighth seed. In a historic moment, he led the Sixers to their first playoff series victory since 2003 against the top-seeded Chicago Bulls, marking only the fifth time in NBA history an eighth seed defeated a first seed.

Reader's Guide

Collins' coaching path extended beyond Philadelphia. He coached the Chicago Bulls (1986–1989), where he improved the team by 10 games in his first two seasons and took them to their first Eastern Conference finals in 15 years, though they fell to the Detroit Pistons. He later returned to the league with the Detroit Pistons (1995–1998), improving their record by 18 games in his first year and leading them back to the playoffs. In Washington (2001–2003), he again improved a team's previous season record by 18 games upon arrival, reuniting with Michael Jordan and Charles Oakley. His tenure ended when he resigned from the Sixers on April 18, 2013, citing a need to spend time with his five grandchildren. He subsequently joined the Bulls as a senior advisor of basketball operations in September 2017.

Did You Know?

• Collins was born in Christopher, Illinois, and grew up next door to future film star John Malkovich.
• He made two go-ahead free throws in the controversial 1972 Olympic gold medal game against the Soviet Union that should have won the US the game before time was replayed.
• In 2008, his son Chris served as a court coach and scout for the 'Redeem Team' while Collins covered the Olympics for NBC.
• Collins resigned as 76ers coach in 2013 specifically to spend more time with his five grandchildren.
• A statue depicting Collins and his college coach Will Robinson was unveiled outside Redbird Arena on September 19, 2009.