Tennessee State University named Nolan Smith as its head men’s basketball coach, bringing to Nashville a national champion, former NBA first-round draft pick, and one of the most respected rising leaders in college basketball.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be named head coach at TSU,” Smith said. “First and foremost, I’m ready to give my heart and energy to our players every single day as we prepare to win and proudly represent the university and the state. I’m excited to immerse myself in the TSU and Nashville community and contribute far beyond the court. I’m built for this challenge — and TSU is built to win. So let’s win! Go Tigers!”
Smith arrives at Tennessee State following the 2024–25 season as an assistant coach at the University of Memphis under Penny Hardaway. At Memphis, he played a key role in player development and recruiting while helping guide a young roster through one of the nation’s most challenging nonconference schedules and a competitive American Athletic Conference slate.
Prior to Memphis, Smith spent two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Louisville (2022–24), where he earned recognition for his mentorship of guards and player development work. He joined Louisville after six seasons on staff at his alma mater, Duke University.
Smith began his coaching career at Duke as a special assistant before being promoted to director of basketball operations and player development, and later assistant coach in 2021. During his tenure, the Blue Devils advanced to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by a Final Four run in 2022 and several Atlantic Coast Conference championships. Smith played a direct role in the development of numerous NBA players, including Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, RJ Barrett, and Paolo Banchero, with 25 players from Duke advancing to the NBA during his time on staff.
As a player, Smith was one of the most decorated guards in Duke history. From 2007–11, he helped lead the Blue Devils to the 2010 NCAA National Championship and earned South Regional Most Outstanding Player and All-Final Four honors. As a senior in 2011, Smith averaged 20.6 points per game, led the ACC in scoring, and was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Tournament MVP, and a consensus First-Team All-American. He finished his career with 1,911 points, ranking among Duke’s all-time leading scorers.
Smith was selected 21st overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers and played two seasons in the NBA before continuing his professional career in the NBA G League and internationally, including stops in Croatia and Turkey.
Off the court, Smith is known for his commitment to community engagement and advocacy. He serves on the board of the Durham-based nonprofit The Brotherhood, which focuses on mentorship, empowerment, and education for young men of color, and has been an advocate for mental health awareness and student-athlete development.
Smith earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University in 2011. He and his wife, Cheyna, have three children: Camryn, Derek “Deuce,” and Kai.
