Nolan Smith Linked to Tennessee State Head Coaching Vacancy Amid Program’s Rising Momentum
Former Memphis assistant coach Nolan Smith has emerged as a strong candidate for the vacant head coaching position at Tennessee State University, following the departure of Brian “Penny” Collins, who recently joined the Memphis Grizzlies’ coaching staff. While Smith’s hiring has not been finalized, his addition would mark a significant move for TSU as the athletic department navigates financial constraints while striving to maintain competitive success.
Smith brings a rich basketball pedigree, both on the court and from the sidelines. As a standout at Duke University, he was instrumental in the Blue Devils’ 2010 NCAA Championship run and earned ACC Player of the Year honors in 2011. He wrapped up his college career ranked 17th on Duke’s all-time scoring list with 1,911 points and notched 121 career victories—fifth-most in school history.
Selected 21st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2011 NBA Draft, Smith spent two seasons in the NBA before continuing his playing career overseas. He began his coaching career under the legendary Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, where he served for six seasons before joining Kenny Payne’s staff at Louisville. Most recently, he spent a season as an assistant under Penny Hardaway at Memphis.
If Tennessee State brings Smith aboard, it would mark the latest in a series of high-profile coaching hires across TSU athletics. In spring 2024, WNBA legend Candace Dupree was named head coach of the Lady Tigers basketball team. Meanwhile, after football coach Eddie George left for Bowling Green, TSU tapped veteran HBCU and UFL coach Reggie Barlow to lead the football program, which is coming off a strong 2024 season that included a share of the OVC-Big South title and an NCAA FCS Playoff berth.
For Smith, the road ahead would not be without challenges. He would inherit a program on the rise, thanks to the foundation laid by Collins, who guided the Tigers to a 17-16 record last season and an Ohio Valley Conference Tournament semifinal appearance. Under Collins, the Tigers posted at least 17 wins in four different seasons, reviving the program’s competitiveness and raising expectations for the future.
With established recruiting ties across Tennessee and the broader region—especially from his time in Memphis—Smith is well-positioned to quickly build a formidable roster. If hired, his blend of playing excellence, coaching experience, and recruiting reach could help elevate Tennessee State men’s basketball to new heights.
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