James Green Retires, Joins USAW Coaching Staff

Husker great James Green announced his retirement from wrestling on Friday, April 8. While he will no longer be competing, Green will step into a new role as the developmental coach for Team USA.

“Nothing is guaranteed in this life, and we must control what we can control,” Green said. “I can’t wait to share my knowledge of the sport with the next generation.”

As a competitor, Green won a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships and a bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships. The former Husker competed on six U.S. Senior World Teams and most recently wrestled for the Southeast Regional Training Center and the Titan Mercury Wrestling Club.

Before his professional career, Green placed third in both the 2014 and 2015 NCAA Championships and seventh at the 2012 and 2013 Championships. He was a 2014 Big Ten Champion and is one of only four four-time NCAA All-Americans at Nebraska.

“I know I speak for our entire program, but we are super proud of James as a wrestler, student-athlete and as an international competitor,” Head Coach Mark Manning said. “He leaves our sport as an iconic figure, and his drive, passion and heart for people is what makes him a special person. USA Wrestling is getting a tremendous person as well as a great wrestling coach, and his influence on the next generation will be impactful.”

A native of Willingboro, N.J., Green graduated from Nebraska with a degree in sociology in May 2016.

“We are forever grateful James chose to be a Husker,” Manning said.