The Northwestern Wildcats are working to lock up men's basketball head coach Chris Collins on Friday, ensuring the program's continued upward trajectory, according to ESPN's Jeff Borzello. The school is deep in talks with the coach about a long-term extension to ensure he stays put.

Northwestern and Chris Collins are in deep discussions on a new contract, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel. Collins has been linked to the open Villanova job.

Don't come and watch us if you don't like it, if you think the firing was messy. I cannot force you to like it," a fed-up Hill said via the Chicago Tribune in 1998. Collins was a respected coach around the Association,