Former Miami (Ohio) basketball coach Charlie Coles died Friday in Oxford, Ohio, the school said. He was 71-years-old.
Longtime Miami (OH) basketball coach Charlie Coles dies
The school’s all-time winningest coach passed away in Oxford, Ohio on Friday.
Joe Robbins
No immediate cause of death was given, but Coles had a history of heart problems. Those heart problems played a large role in his retirement from basketball in March, 2012.
“The Miami Family is saddened today by the passing of Coach Coles,” Miami athletic director David Sayler said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. His legacy at Miami and the positive impact he made on so many lives will always be remembered.”
Coles led Miami to the NCAA Tournament three times in 16 seasons, including a run to the Sweet 16 with All-American Wally Szczerbiak in 1999. He is the school’s all-time leader in victories with 263, and also the all-time winningest coach in the history of the Mid-American Conference with 218 career league victories.
In addition to his coaching career, Coles was a standout basketball player at Miami from 1962-65. A two-time All-MAC selection, Coles averaged double figures in scoring all three of his seasons with the Redhawks, including an 18.5 ppg average as a junior. He was inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame in 1990.
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