Sports

Former Miami Coach Charlie Coles Dies

Posted on: Friday, June 7, 2013

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Former Miami (OH) basketball coach and all-time wins leader Charlie Coles has died at 71.

Miami University confirmed the news, originally reported by Ohio journalism alum and Cox News Miami Basketball beat writer Rick Cassano, Friday morning.

Coles was a 1965 Miami University graduate. He took over head coaching duties for the RedHawks in 1996 and compiled a 263-224 record in 16 seasons.

Coles led the RedHawks to seven postseason appearances during his tenure, including three NCAA Tournament berths. He also coached eight First Team All-MAC players along with two MAC Players of the year in Wally Szczerbiak and Michael Bramos.

Coles retired following the 2011-12 season.

As a student at Miami, Coles played basketball for three seasons and scored 1,096 points.

Coles also coached in the Mid-American Conference at Central Michigan University from 1986-91.

In 22 seasons as an NCAA head coach — all in the MAC — Coles is the MAC's all-time leader in conference wins with a 218-156 record in MAC play. He also sits tied for second all time in career wins among MAC coaches.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Coles' last coaching job was for his sixth grade granddaughter's AAU team. He stated that he enjoyed it.