{"id":150511,"date":"2025-07-15T16:09:15","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T20:09:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=150511"},"modified":"2025-07-15T19:15:05","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T23:15:05","slug":"former-duke-star-expected-to-land-first-head-coaching-gig","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/07\/15\/former-duke-star-expected-to-land-first-head-coaching-gig\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Duke Star Expected to Land First Head Coaching Gig"},"content":{"rendered":"

News broke that Nolan Smith<\/a> is likely landing the Tennessee State Head Coach spot for his first lead role. This comes from Jon Rothstein. Smith had a great playing career at Duke and has been slowly climbing the coaching ranks at some high major programs. Now, he looks for a head role.<\/p>\n

Nolan Smith Likely to be Named Next Head Coach at Tennessee State<\/h2>\n

Playing Career<\/h3>\n

Nolan Smith played in 143 games for the Duke Blue Devils from 2007-2011 and capped it off with a National Championship in his junior season. He was a consensus All-American his senior year while averaging 20.6 points per game, 5.1 assists per game, and 4.5 rebounds per game. He was also ACC Player of the Year that same year.<\/p>\n

Smith then went on to be the 21st<\/sup> overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft to the Portland Trailblazers where he played 2 NBA seasons. He then bounced around the NBA D-League and international stops before heading back to Durham to become part of the Duke staff for Coach K.<\/p>\n

\"Nolan
Mar 24, 2011; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Nolan Smith (2) defends against Arizona Wildcats guard Lamont Jones (12) during the second half of the semifinals of the west regional of the 2011 NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Honda Center. Arizona won 93-77. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Coaching Career<\/h3>\n

Smith officially joined the Duke staff in 2016 as a special assistant to Coach K. He learned in this role for 2 seasons before being named Director of Basketball Operations<\/a>. He held down that role for 3 years where he played a key role in recruiting which has been a major bright spot for the Duke Blue Devils. Given his success in the DOBO role, he was elevated to assistant coach in 2021 for Coach K\u2019s final season<\/a>. After the season, Nolan Smith left Durham as Jon Scheyer<\/a> was elevated to Head Coach.<\/p>\n

Smith took his talents to Louisville to join Kenny Payne<\/a>\u2019s coaching staff as a highly-paid assistant. He was looking to carve out a name for himself away from the Brotherhood in Durham. Louisville struggled mightily for two seasons and Payne was ultimately dismissed which left the staff in dismay.<\/p>\n

Then, in 2024, Smith headed to Memphis to join Penny Hardaway\u2019s staff. The Tigers had a solid season and Smith was an integral part in creating a talented roster. He can recruit in high school ranks and in the transfer portal.<\/p>\n

Tennessee State: Next Stop?<\/h3>\n

Smith now is expected to be named the next head coach at Tennessee State. The Tigers finished last season with a record of 17-16 including a semifinals loss in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. The Tigers have not made it to the NCAA Tournament since the 1993-94 season so Smith would certainly have his work cut out.<\/p>\n

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Sources: Memphis\u2019 Nolan Smith is finalizing a deal to be the next head coach at Tennessee State.<\/p>\n

Nothing is officially done, but the two sides are working towards an agreement.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) July 15, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n