Jim Mullins, who completed his 23rd season as the Bombers’ head coach for men's basketball in 2019-20, pushing his overall record to 353-264, retired at the end of the season. Mullins then returned to Ithaca in 2021-22 to serve as an assistant coach with the women's program. On January 12, 2018, Mullins became the program's all-time winningest coach with an 82-67 victory over St. Lawrence inside Ben Light Gymnasium to give him 308 career wins.
Mullins has guided Ithaca to the NCAA playoffs six times during his tenure, including five trips in the past 11 seasons, and a run to the NCAA Round of 16 for the first time in program history (2012-13). The 2019-20 program reached the second round after earning the program's first Liberty League title.
Mullins is a three-time Empire 8 Coach of the Year, taking the honor in 2002, 2008 and 2009. He also took home the D3hoops.com East Region Coach of the Year award in 2002. Mullins has mentored four E8 Players of the Year, including Pat Britton (2000), Sean Burton (2008 & 2009) and Phil Barera (2011). Peter Ezema (2018-19) was named the Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year as well.
Under Mullins, Ithaca has reached the 20-win plateau five times. That run includes a 24-3 campaign in 2008-09, marking the highest single season win total in program history. Mullins also has three ECAC Upstate Championships to his credit, with Ithaca’s most recent title serving as his 200th career victory in 2010. In 2019-20, Ithaca matched the highest win total with a 24-6 record.
Mullins has been a part of successful programs in a number of sports. He began his coaching career as an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut, working as a student assistant for the women’s basketball program. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Connecticut, Mullins came to Ithaca, where he earned his master’s degree and served as a graduate assistant coach in basketball and baseball.
He also worked at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for a season as assistant basketball coach. In 1982, he began a five-year stint as head men’s basketball coach at the University of Connecticut (Avery Point). Mullins led his team to five consecutive Connecticut Small College Conference playoff finals and a league record of 60-20. At the same time, he served as an assistant baseball coach, helping lead the team to six-straight conference championships and a 71-1 overall record.
During that period Mullins also coached the Waterford Mariners women’s softball team. The Mariners won two Atlantic Coast League titles and one New England crown, and earned a 12th-place national ranking. The Mariners were 125-61 during his tenure. Mullins moved on to Plattsburgh in 1987 as an assistant men’s basketball coach on the staff of Ithaca graduate Larry Cowan ‘81.
After five years with the Cardinals, Mullins returned to Ithaca as an assistant coach in basketball and baseball. He played a large role in Ithaca’s success during his time as an assistant coach. In his five seasons, the Bombers posted an 86-46 record and earned one NCAA playoff and three ECAC postseason invitations. Ithaca put together back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in 1992-93 and 1993-94, his first two seasons on the varsity staff.
He also spent three years as an assistant softball coach (1996-97, 2002), helping the Bombers to three NCAA playoff appearances, including two trips to the College World Series and the 2002 NCAA title.
11/16/21
