Northwestern's Chris Collins hire could be imminent, interview reportedly went 'incredibly well'

After 13 years with one head coach, Northwestern may have found its next in a bit over a week: Chris Collins' status as the heavy favorite to be Northwestern's next head basketball coach, as the Duke assistant's interview was Monday per multiple sources and reportedly went swimmingly.

As usual, the roundup from Teddy Greenstein in the Trib is one thing, but we have other people on this. Steve Wiseman of the Herald-Sun in Durham - you know, that's where Duke is - reported that Northwestern met with Collins Monday at "an undisclosed location," cancelling a radio show appearance to do so, and that further meetings could occur this week. Jeff Goodman doesn't offer anything new, but does have sources saying Collins is the "heavy frontrunner" and "clear favorite". The AP adds that Collins interviewed at Illinois State last year, which I honestly do not remember hearing.

And the deal-sealer:

Am told that #Northwestern's interview w/Chris Collins went incredibly well. Possible school could hire him this week. More to come.

— Teddy Greenstein (@TeddyGreenstein) March 26, 2013

Greenstein's story has tons of interesting tidbits: that the school has already interviewed three other candidates - Dave Paulsen (check), Bryce Drew (check) and John Giannini (check) plus perhaps Brett Reed (check) and that Al Skinner is on the radar (check!).

And that, yes, this could come before Duke plays Michigan State Friday, so their tournament status is not a factor. Very interesting, and we will obviously be doing work to keep y'all updated.