Former Duke College star and present Memphis assistant coach Nolan Smith is reportedly in discussions to turn out to be the subsequent head coach at Tennessee State College. In accordance with Jon Rothstein, the deal will not be finalized, however either side are working towards an settlement. If accomplished, the transfer would mark a significant rent for the HBCU program, which misplaced Penny Collins to the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies earlier this summer season.
A Rising Teaching Resume
Smith has steadily climbed the teaching ranks since retiring from skilled basketball. He joined the Memphis workers in September 2024 after two seasons at Louisville beneath Kenny Payne. Earlier than his time at Louisville, he spent six years at Duke College in a number of roles. These included director of basketball operations, participant improvement, and assistant coach in the course of the 2021–22 season.
Adorned Taking part in Profession at Duke
As a participant, Smith was one of the embellished in Duke College historical past. He earned consensus first-team All-American honors and was named ACC Participant of the 12 months in 2011. That season, he led the convention in scoring (20.6 factors per sport) and served as staff captain. He additionally gained MVP honors within the ACC Event.
Smith performed a key position in Duke’s 2010 nationwide championship run. He earned Most Excellent Participant honors within the NCAA South Regional and was named to the All-Closing 4 Crew. Over his four-year faculty profession, he scored 1,911 factors, rating seventeenth in Duke historical past. His groups went 121-22 total, together with an unimaginable 65-2 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Potential New Chapter at an HBCU
If employed, the place at Tennessee State can be Smith’s first head teaching job. It might additionally characterize a major second for the Nashville-based HBCU, which continues to hunt nationwide recognition. Smith brings not solely high-level basketball expertise but in addition a robust file of group involvement. He’s been honored by Factors of Gentle and The Information & Observer for his work in social justice and most cancers consciousness.
The potential rent may sign a turning level for Tennessee State. The HBCU had success with the excessive profile rent of Eddie George who led this system to the FCS playoffs.
