Former WKU men’s basketball coach, athletic director Jim Richards passes away

WKU Athletics Press Release

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Jim Richards, a former WKU Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Director of Athletics and member of the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame whose contributions to Hilltopper Athletics spanned more than four decades, passed away Friday, Oct. 9. He was 90 years old.A native of Adair County, Kentucky, Richards was one of the most versatile figures in WKU Athletics history, serving the university as a student-athlete, coach and administrator. His contributions included helping guide the Hilltoppers to the 1971 Final Four as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, leading the program to multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances as head coach, and later overseeing the department as Director of Athletics.

“Jim Richards had a tremendous impact on Western Kentucky University and elevated WKU Athletics through his tenure as an assistant basketball coach, head basketball coach, Director of Athletics and with his service on the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation Board,” WKU Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said. “It was an honor to know him and always a pleasure to be in his presence. He loved WKU Basketball as much as anybody. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. RIP Coach Richards.”

“Coach Richards was a special coach, a special man and a special Hilltopper,” Mahurin Family Foundation Head Coach Hank Plona said. “The joy and enthusiasm that he brought to each day literally brings people to life. He inspired, encouraged and cheered on a daily basis for great things to happen to people. He saw the good in everyone, and believed the next day would always be better than the last. I cherish every moment that I was fortunate enough to spend with him. Practice won’t be the same without him there, but I know I will be able to hear his words after each one. He told me on Monday that we’re going to be a great defensive team this year. We are going to work hard every day to make him proud and play with an energy and excitement that he would love. Coach Richards and his family are in our prayers. We are all blessed and honored to be family with him.”

Richards returned to his alma mater in 1968 as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach under John Oldham following a successful high school coaching career in Kentucky. During his three seasons on Oldham’s staff, WKU compiled a 62-19 record, captured two Ohio Valley Conference championships and made two NCAA Tournament appearances. The 1970-71 Hilltoppers advanced to the Final Four, falling to Villanova, 92-89, in double overtime before defeating Kansas, 77-75, in the national third-place game.

Following Oldham’s retirement from coaching in 1971, Richards was elevated to Head Coach of the Hilltoppers, a position he held for seven seasons from 1971-78. He compiled a 102-84 overall record, leading WKU to OVC regular-season championships in 1972 and 1976, OVC Tournament titles in 1976 and 1978, and NCAA Tournament appearances in 1976 and 1978.

Richards was named OVC Coach of the Year in both 1974 and 1976. His 1975-76 squad finished 20-9, capturing the OVC regular-season and tournament championships before advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

One of Richards’ most memorable coaching accomplishments came during the 1977-78 season, when the Hilltoppers overcame a 3-8 start to earn an NCAA Tournament berth. WKU defeated nationally ranked Syracuse, 87-86, in overtime in the opening round of the tournament to advance to the Sweet 16. The Hilltoppers finished the season with a 16-14 record.

After stepping away from basketball coaching in 1978, Richards continued his service to WKU Athletics as Coordinator of Men’s Athletics and Head Men’s Golf Coach, positions he held through 1986. His eight golf teams each posted winning seasons, and he still holds single-season and career records as the winningest Men’s Golf Head Coach in program history.

Richards also served as the first Executive Director of the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation, helping the organization achieve record fundraising growth during its early years.

In 1986, Richards transitioned to the university’s Office of Alumni Affairs, serving as Director of Alumni Affairs until returning to WKU Athletics as Interim Director of Athletics in September 1993. He was formally named Director of Athletics in July 1994 and served until his retirement in November of that year.

Before beginning his coaching and administrative career, Richards was a four-year letterwinner for the WKU Baseball program from 1955-58. He led the Hilltoppers in batting in each of his four seasons and served as team captain during his final three years.

A 1959 WKU graduate, Richards also established himself as one of Kentucky’s most successful high school basketball coaches, coaching at Auburn and Glasgow high schools. In 1968, he guided Glasgow to a Kentucky state championship.

Richards was inducted into the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005 in recognition of his many accomplishments as a student-athlete, coach and administrator.

His legacy remains woven into the history of WKU Athletics through his success on the basketball court, his leadership of the athletic department and his decades of service to WKU.

Visitation and funeral arrangements for Richards have not yet been announced. Additional information regarding services will be shared as it becomes available.