Charlie Coles, American basketball player and coach (d. 2013)

A Legacy Forged in Excellence: The Enduring Impact of Coach Charlie Coles

Charlie Coles (February 6, 1942 – June 7, 2013) was a highly respected and influential American college basketball coach, renowned for his significant tenures as the men's basketball head coach at both Central Michigan University and his alma mater, Miami University. His remarkable career spanned decades, marked by notable achievements as a player, coach, and mentor, leaving an indelible mark on collegiate basketball, particularly within the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

Early Life and Formative Years: A High School Scoring Phenom

Born Charles Leroy Coles on February 6, 1942, in Springfield, Ohio, his formative years were spent in nearby Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he lived with his grandparents. It was there, at Bryan High School (now known as Yellow Springs High School), that Coles first showcased his exceptional basketball talent. During his senior year in 1959, he delivered a truly historic performance, leading the entire state of Ohio in scoring with an astonishing average of 42.1 points per game. This remarkable season included a phenomenal individual performance where he scored an incredible 65 points in a single game, a testament to his offensive prowess. In recognition of his enduring legacy, Yellow Springs High School officially retired his jersey number, 33, in a special ceremony in 2000, which Coles himself attended, acknowledging his profound impact on the school's athletic history.

Collegiate Playing Career: Miami University RedHawks

Following his stellar high school career, Charlie Coles continued his basketball journey at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, playing for the RedHawks from 1962 to 1965. During his collegiate tenure, he consistently excelled, demonstrating the skills that would later define his coaching philosophy. Coles earned prestigious second-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) honors in both his junior and senior seasons, a significant recognition of his talent within a competitive league. He was a consistent scoring threat, averaging double figures in points across all three seasons he played, including a career-best 18.5 points per game as a junior. Over his entire Miami career, Coles maintained an impressive average of 15.4 points per game, coupled with efficient shooting percentages of 45.8 percent from the field and a strong 80.2 percent from the free-throw line. Beyond the court, he dedicated himself to academics, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education, laying the groundwork for his future in sports.

Transition to Coaching: Building Foundations at the High School Level

Upon graduating from Miami University, Charlie Coles transitioned seamlessly into a highly successful career as a high school basketball coach, a period that provided foundational experience for his later collegiate achievements. His coaching journey began in his home state of Ohio, with stints in Springfield and Yellow Springs. He then moved to Michigan, taking the helm as head coach at Saginaw High School from 1972 to 1982. During his decade with the Saginaw Trojans, Coles established a winning culture, notably guiding the team to two appearances in the state championship game, a significant accomplishment that underscored his ability to develop talent and foster competitive teams.

Collegiate Coaching Ascensions: Central Michigan University

Building on his high school success, Coles made the leap to the collegiate coaching ranks, serving as an assistant coach at the University of Detroit from 1982 to 1985, further honing his strategic and developmental skills. From 1986 to 1991, Charlie Coles served as the men's basketball head coach for Central Michigan University, guiding the Chippewas to a respectable 92–84 overall record during his six-season tenure. His most impactful season came in 1986–87, a breakout year where he led CMU to an impressive 22–8 record. This exceptional performance culminated in both the Mid-American Conference (MAC) regular-season championship and the MAC Tournament championship, securing a coveted berth in the NCAA Tournament. For his outstanding leadership and the team's dominant performance, Coles was deservingly named the MAC Coach of the Year. A key figure on that championship squad was Dan Majerle, who would later achieve significant success as an NBA All-Star, demonstrating Coles's ability to develop top-tier talent.

Return to His Alma Mater: Miami University Head Coach

After his successful stint at Central Michigan, Coles briefly returned to the high school coaching scene, leading Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio, from 1992 to 1994, where he compiled a solid 32–16 record before making his eventual return to collegiate coaching.

In 1994, Charlie Coles made a poignant return to his alma mater, Miami University, initially serving as an assistant coach. His deep understanding of the program and dedication to the RedHawks were evident, leading to his promotion in 1996 when he was named Miami's head coach following Herb Sendek's departure for North Carolina State University. As head coach, Coles ushered in an era of consistent success for the RedHawks. He guided the team to three MAC regular-season championships in 1997, 1999, and 2005, showcasing sustained excellence over a decade. Under his leadership, Miami also made appearances in the championship game of the MAC Tournament in each of his first five seasons as head coach, a remarkable display of immediate impact. The RedHawks ultimately captured the coveted MAC Tournament title in both 1997 and 2007, earning automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament.

The Historic 1999 NCAA Tournament Run and Coaching Milestones

A pinnacle of Coles's coaching career at Miami was the unforgettable 1999 NCAA Tournament run. Led by the exceptional talent of future NBA All-Star forward Wally Szczerbiak, Coles guided the RedHawks to the prestigious Sweet 16, a remarkable achievement for a Mid-American Conference program. Their memorable journey captivated the nation before they ultimately fell to the perennial powerhouse, the University of Kentucky, in a hard-fought contest.

Coles's consistent success was further recognized when he was named MAC Coach of the Year in 2005, a testament to his continued influence and strategic brilliance. His dedication to Miami University cemented his place in the school's history books. On January 20, 2009, he achieved a monumental milestone, recording his 217th victory at Miami, thereby surpassing the legendary Darrell Hedric to become the winningest coach in the institution's rich basketball history. Less than a year later, on January 16, 2010, Coles further solidified his legacy by securing his 195th conference victory with a 79–67 win over Ohio University, making him the all-time wins leader in MAC conference games. He concluded his illustrious career with an astounding 219 MAC conference wins, a record reflecting decades of competitive excellence and enduring impact.

A Mentor and Educator: Beyond the Court

Beyond his coaching duties, Charlie Coles embraced a broader role as an educator and mentor at Miami University. He shared his extensive knowledge by teaching a specialized class on basketball coaching theory, highlighting his commitment to developing future leaders in the sport. His profound and multifaceted contributions to Miami, encompassing his stellar career as a player, his impactful roles as a coach and teacher, and his enduring legacy as a mentor, were formally recognized with his induction into Miami's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. This early recognition underscores the significant impression he made on the university even before his most celebrated tenure as head coach began.

Retirement and Enduring Legacy

At the conclusion of the 2011–12 season, Charlie Coles officially retired from coaching, bringing to a close a remarkable 16-season tenure as Miami's head coach and a coaching career spanning over four decades. He passed away on June 7, 2013, at the age of 71, leaving behind a profound legacy. His funeral service, a poignant tribute to his life and contributions, was fittingly held at Millett Hall, Miami University's basketball arena, underscoring the deep connection he shared with the institution and its community. He was laid to rest in Oxford Cemetery, close to the Miami campus, forever intertwined with the place he called home for so many years. Charlie Coles is survived by his beloved wife, Delores, his son Chris, daughter Mary Bennett, and four grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his spirit and memory.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charlie Coles

Who was Charlie Coles?
Charlie Coles was a celebrated American college basketball coach, renowned for his successful tenures as the men's basketball head coach at Central Michigan University and his alma mater, Miami University. He was also an accomplished high school basketball coach and a distinguished college player.
What were Charlie Coles' major coaching achievements at the college level?
Coles achieved significant success, including being named MAC Coach of the Year (1987, 2005), leading Central Michigan to MAC regular-season and tournament championships and an NCAA Tournament berth (1987), guiding Miami to three MAC regular-season crowns (1997, 1999, 2005) and two MAC Tournament titles (1997, 2007). He also famously led Miami to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in 1999.
Where did Charlie Coles coach throughout his career?
Coles coached at various levels. He was a high school head coach in Springfield, Yellow Springs, Saginaw (Michigan), and Central Catholic (Toledo, Ohio). In college, he served as an assistant coach at the University of Detroit and Miami University, and as a head coach at Central Michigan University and Miami University.
Did Charlie Coles play college basketball?
Yes, Charlie Coles was a standout player at Miami University from 1962 to 1965, earning second-team All-MAC honors twice and averaging 15.4 points per game in his career.
What significant records did Charlie Coles hold at Miami University and in the MAC?
Charlie Coles became Miami University's all-time winningest coach with 217 victories. He also set the record for the most conference wins in Mid-American Conference history, accumulating 219 MAC victories throughout his career.