Nolan Smith Set to Become Tennessee State’s New Head Coach as Memphis Assistant Takes Bold Step Toward Leading His Own Program
After years of preparing behind the scenes and building a resume full of elite basketball experience, Nolan Smith is finally stepping into the spotlight. The Memphis Tigers assistant coach is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the next head coach at Tennessee State University, a significant milestone in his coaching career and a bold new chapter for both him and the Tigers program.
Smith’s move to Tennessee State, a program with rich history in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), marks his first head coaching position and signifies the growing trend of high-major assistants from elite programs embracing the challenge of rebuilding and reenergizing mid-major basketball. While the deal has not been officially announced, multiple sources close to both programs indicate that an agreement is imminent and could be finalized within days.
For Smith, this move represents the culmination of a lifelong journey through the game. The former Duke star and son of late NBA champion Derek Smith has basketball in his DNA. He was a McDonald’s All-American out of high school, a national champion at Duke under Coach Mike Krzyzewski, and later played professionally before making a seamless transition into coaching. His charisma, energy, and knowledge of the game have made him one of the most respected young assistant coaches in the college basketball world.
Now, he takes all that experience and aims to transform a Tennessee State program that has shown flashes of promise but struggled to maintain consistent success. The Tigers, members of the OVC, have had some solid seasons in recent years, but they remain far from the national conversation. Smith’s hiring signals a desire to change that.
According to those familiar with the situation, Tennessee State leadership was drawn not only to Smith’s basketball pedigree, but to his reputation as a player’s coach and tireless recruiter. During his time at Memphis, he played a crucial role in recruiting elite talent to Penny Hardaway’s program, including McDonald’s All-Americans and high-major transfers. His relationships across the basketball world are deep, ranging from grassroots circuits to NBA front offices.
“Hiring Nolan Smith would be a game-changer for Tennessee State,” one OVC coach anonymously stated. “He has the kind of pedigree that grabs players’ attention. And more importantly, he connects. He understands how to lead today’s athlete.”
Smith’s time at Memphis helped shape his coaching philosophy. Working under Hardaway, a former NBA All-Star, provided a unique lens into player development and system flexibility. At Memphis, Smith helped orchestrate defenses, worked closely with guards, and was known as a high-energy motivator on the sidelines. His presence on the bench was unmistakable—equal parts teacher and hype man.
But even before Memphis, Smith had already been viewed as a rising star in the coaching ranks. He spent several years on the Duke staff, first as director of basketball operations and later as an assistant coach under Jon Scheyer. His Duke roots run deep—not just as a player, but as someone who embraced the core values of preparation, accountability, and relentless competitiveness.
Those values are precisely what Tennessee State is hoping to inject into its program. For the Tigers, hiring Smith isn’t just about wins and losses—though they’ll expect those too—it’s about relevance, visibility, and attracting talent to Nashville that may have overlooked the program in years past. It’s also about giving a young coach a platform to lead and grow while creating an identity that resonates beyond the OVC.
“Nolan is someone who understands what winning looks like,” said a former Duke teammate. “He’s been around champions his whole life. He’s learned from legends. Now he’s ready to lead his own team.”
Tennessee State’s decision to target Smith speaks volumes about the direction the program wants to go. In today’s era of college basketball, where the transfer portal and NIL have transformed the recruiting landscape, having a coach who can relate to players, market the program, and build lasting relationships is just as vital as Xs and Os. Smith checks all those boxes.
One of the early challenges for Smith will be assembling a staff capable of supporting his vision and helping him navigate the nuances of running a program for the first time. While he has extensive experience as an assistant, the responsibilities of a head coach—from managing budgets and compliance to media relations and staff hiring—represent an entirely different level of responsibility. However, those close to Smith believe he’s more than ready for the leap.
“He’s been preparing for this moment for years,” one Memphis staffer said. “He’s studied how to build culture. He’s obsessed with details. And most of all, he’s hungry. This isn’t a stepping stone for him—he wants to win at Tennessee State.”
That ambition will be tested early. Tennessee State’s roster has seen significant turnover, and rebuilding a competitive team in a crowded mid-major landscape will require quick recruiting wins and a sharp eye for under-the-radar talent. Fortunately for Smith, he’s no stranger to spotting upside. His time on the recruiting trail has given him a network that stretches across the country, and he’s already built strong relationships in the Southeast—particularly in Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
What also bodes well for Smith is his ability to energize a fan base. At Memphis, he was a fan favorite and often the bridge between the players and the community. He’s accessible, engaging, and speaks with a passion that resonates. Those qualities will be essential at Tennessee State, where re-engaging the local community and drawing more attention to the program are high priorities.
In the long term, Tennessee State’s hope is that Smith can bring sustained success, not just in terms of wins but in creating a culture of excellence. If he’s successful, it could open the door for more high-major assistants—particularly African American coaches—to seek head coaching opportunities at HBCUs and mid-major programs. In that way, Smith’s potential hiring has broader implications than just the fortunes of a single school.
As for Memphis, Smith’s departure will be significant. Penny Hardaway’s staff has undergone several changes in recent years, and losing someone of Smith’s caliber will require a strong replacement. But the Memphis program has always been about helping its staff ascend—Hardaway, after all, is no stranger to preparing his assistants for bigger roles.
“We’re proud of Nolan,” a Memphis athletics official reportedly said. “He’s earned this. And Tennessee State is getting one of the best young coaches in the game.”
It’s unclear exactly when the hire will be made official, but all indications point to the deal being finalized soon. Once it is, Tennessee State fans can expect an infusion of energy, passion, and swagger from a coach who has been waiting patiently for his chance to lead.
Nolan Smith’s journey from national champion player to elite assistant to head coach is a testament to the path of preparation, relationships, and commitment to the craft. Tennessee State is betting that his first opportunity will not just be a fresh start for the program—but the beginning of something special.
