From Cameron to the Command Seat — The ‘People’s Champ’ is Poised to Lead and Redefine an HBCU Program in the Heart of Nashville
Nolan Smith Poised for First Head Coaching Role at Tennessee State: A New Chapter for the People’s Champ
Former Duke standout and current Louisville assistant coach Nolan Smith is reportedly on the verge of securing his first head coaching job — and it’s a storyline that college basketball fans, especially those in Durham, have long seen coming.
According to multiple sources, Smith is in advanced talks with Tennessee State University to become their next head basketball coach. The position became available following the June 30th resignation of Brian Collins, who left the Tigers to join the NBA ranks as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies. Smith’s potential hire could mark a seismic shift not only for TSU but also for the greater HBCU basketball landscape.
A Duke Legend Turning the Page
To understand the magnitude of this development, one must consider the roots. Nolan Smith isn’t just another former college athlete turned coach — he is Duke Royalty. As a national champion in 2010 under Coach Mike Krzyzewski and a First-Team All-American in 2011, Smith carved his name into Blue Devil lore with his electric play, leadership, and unmistakable passion for the game. His bond with the Duke program runs deep, one that has extended into his post-playing career.
Following a brief professional stint that included time in the NBA and overseas, Smith returned to Durham to serve as Director of Basketball Operations and then as an assistant coach under Jon Scheyer, Coach K’s successor. His time at Duke revealed his natural coaching instincts, charisma, and an ability to relate to players on a personal level — qualities that would eventually earn him a move to Louisville as an assistant coach in 2022.
Now, just a few years later, Smith is seemingly ready to take the leap that so many anticipated: leading his own program.
Tennessee State: A Program Ready for a Spark
Located in Nashville, Tennessee State University is a proud member of the Ohio Valley Conference and one of the most recognized HBCUs in the South. While the program doesn’t boast the facilities or spotlight of Power Five schools, it possesses rich cultural significance and untapped potential. However, it exists in a fiercely competitive basketball market that includes Vanderbilt (SEC), Belmont (MVC), and Lipscomb (ASUN), all of which vie for talent and attention in the Music City.
This makes the potential hiring of someone like Nolan Smith all the more strategic and symbolic. His name carries national weight, especially among basketball purists. His Duke credentials bring instant credibility. And his cultural connection to the HBCU mission could resonate powerfully with recruits and alumni alike.
Why This Move Makes Sense for Both Sides
From Tennessee State’s perspective, bringing in Smith is more than just a coaching decision — it’s a brand move. In an era where NIL, social media presence, and community engagement shape the narrative, Smith’s dynamic personality is a perfect fit for elevating TSU’s visibility. His track record as a mentor and recruiter is also well-documented, having played a role in Duke’s and Louisville’s talent pipelines.
For Smith, Tennessee State offers something more than just a stepping stone — it’s a canvas. This is a place where he can build, innovate, and make his mark from the ground up. The opportunity to guide young athletes, especially within an HBCU setting, aligns with Smith’s long-standing advocacy for social justice and empowerment through sports.
Challenges Ahead — and Why They’re Worth It
Of course, the job won’t be easy. Tennessee State has long faced budgetary limitations, inconsistent on-court success, and the burden of competing in a saturated market. But Smith has never shied away from a challenge.
As someone who grew up around the game — his late father, Derek Smith, was an NBA champion and assistant coach — Nolan understands the rigors of high-level basketball. His experiences as a player, administrator, and coach have equipped him for the multifaceted demands of running a Division I program. If anything, this is exactly the type of opportunity he has been preparing for his entire life.
What This Means for HBCU Basketball
Nolan Smith joining Tennessee State could become another defining moment in the growing momentum behind HBCU basketball. Over the past few years, we’ve seen top-tier talents and coaches take their skills to HBCUs — a movement championed by figures like Deion Sanders in football and Mo Williams and Robert Jones on the basketball front.
Smith’s involvement could further legitimize this movement and inspire a wave of talented coaches to consider building legacies at institutions that have long been overlooked by mainstream media and corporate sponsors.
The Legacy in the Making
Whether or not the ink dries this week, one thing is clear: Nolan Smith is ready. The ‘People’s Champ’ appears to be on the brink of a new chapter that could redefine his career and ignite a fresh era for Tennessee State basketball. Duke fans will undoubtedly watch with pride, knowing one of their own is taking the lessons of Cameron Indoor to the broader world — this time, not just as a player or assistant, but as a leader of men.
And for Tennessee State, the potential is enormous. In a world hungry for transformative stories and underdog victories, Nolan Smith might just be the headline they’ve been waiting to write.
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