Columbia coach Jim Engles steps down

Field Level Media|published: Mon 10th March, 17:43 2025

Nov 7, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Columbia Lions head coach Jim Engles looks on during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Columbia is in the market for a new head coach after Jim Engles stepped down Monday, ending a nine-year tenure.

In eight seasons (the Ivy League did not compete in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Engles compiled a 71-150 record and never posted better than a 5-9 record in league play.

The 2024-25 season started out promisingly with Columbia upsetting Villanova en route to an 11-2 nonconference record. Then the Lions finished last in the Ivy League (1-13).

"Columbia has meant so much to me, and I've given everything I have to make this program the best it can be," Engles said in a statement. "We may not have accomplished our ultimate goals, but I'm proud of the culture we built and the student-athletes we developed on and off the court. I also want to thank (athletic director) Peter Pilling for his support throughout the years and know the future of this program is bright."

Counting seven seasons at NJIT before moving to Columbia in 2016, Engles is 181-259 in 15 seasons as a Division I coach.

Columbia was the second coaching job in the eight-team Ivy League to come open Monday as Penn parted ways with Steve Donahue.

--Field Level Media

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