Jim Les - Coaching Career

Coaching Career

Following his NBA career, Les became an assistant coach for three years for the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs. In 2003 he returned to his alma mater as head coach, where he led Bradley to an improved record in each of his first two seasons. The Bradley Braves advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament in 2006. The following year the Braves exceeded expectations to make it to the NIT. In 2008, the Braves participated in their third consecutive postseason tournament when they were invited to the first annual College Basketball Invitational tournament. The Braves advanced to the CBI finals, defeating Cincinnati, Ohio University and Virginia, while losing two games to one to Tulsa in the CBI championship round.

In 2009, the Braves participated in their fourth consecutive postseason tournament when they were invited to the first annual CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. The Braves beat Austin Peay 81–74 in the first round of the tournament, and then went on to beat Oakland University 76–75 on a miracle 70-foot shot by Chris Roberts at the buzzer to earn Les his fourth consecutive 20-win season. The Braves advanced to the CIT finals with a win over Pacific, while losing to Old Dominion 66-62 in the CIT championship game. The Bradley Braves finished the 2009–10 season in fifth place at 9-9 in the Missouri Valley Conference. Injuries to their two top players were responsible for Bradley's poor showing in 2011. Bradley finished the 2010–11 season tied for ninth place at 4–14 in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Les was relieved of his duties on March 6, 2011 after the Braves finished a disappointing 12–20 campaign.