He was the heartbeat of Duke’s 2010 national championship team, a leader on the court and a voice in the locker room. Now, “The People’s Champ” is stepping into his next big chapter. Nolan Smith — former Duke star, All-American, and ACC Player of the Year — has officially been named the head coach of the Tennessee State Tigers. And if you ask the man who knows him best, legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Smith isn’t just ready — he’s destined to become something special in the head coaching ranks.
For Duke fans, the news couldn’t be more thrilling. Smith’s journey has always been a blend of talent, charisma, and quiet leadership — traits that made him a fan favorite in Durham and now form the foundation of his coaching philosophy. Coach K, who mentored Smith as both a player and an assistant, offered glowing praise for his former pupil after the announcement became official. “Nolan was a joy to coach,” Krzyzewski said. “Our fans loved him — they called him ‘The People’s Champ.’ He was also an exceptional assistant coach. Now, he’s ready to be an exceptional head coach at Tennessee State.”
The resume speaks for itself. Smith starred at Duke from 2007 to 2011, helping the Blue Devils capture their fourth national title under Krzyzewski. As a senior, he averaged over 20 points per game, earning ACC Player of the Year and consensus First-Team All-American honors. His legacy was etched in stone the moment he cut down the nets in Indianapolis. But what’s always stood out about Nolan Smith wasn’t just his skill — it was his spirit. His love for the game, his passion for people, and his unwavering loyalty to Duke made him more than a player. He was family.
That family extended into coaching. After his professional career, Smith returned to Durham in 2016, joining Coach K’s staff as a special assistant. Over the next few seasons, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a full-time assistant coach by 2021. During that time, he helped develop stars, recruit elite talent, and preserve Duke’s standard of excellence. Every day, he absorbed the wisdom of Krzyzewski — learning what it meant to not just win, but to build. That experience shaped him, refined him, and prepared him for the moment he now embraces at Tennessee State.
And it’s not just Coach K who sees the promise. Penny Hardaway, who brought Smith onto his staff at Memphis for the 2024–25 season, echoed the praise. “If anyone is deserving of this position, it’s Nolan,” Hardaway said. “He’s prepared and ready. His time at Memphis was short, but his impact was real. I’m confident he’ll do the same — or even more — at TSU.” That’s high praise from a fellow former NBA guard and respected coach. It shows the growing consensus: Nolan Smith isn’t just climbing the ladder — he’s ready to lead a program.
Smith also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Louisville prior to his stop in Memphis, gaining valuable experience in different systems and coaching cultures. He’s seen what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, what connects. That’s what makes him such a compelling figure for young athletes. He’s relatable. He’s passionate. And he carries the wisdom of Duke’s greatest dynasty years. His journey from a beloved Blue Devil to a rising star on the sidelines is the kind of full-circle story that reminds fans why they fell in love with college basketball in the first place.
Now, Tennessee State becomes the next canvas for his vision. A place where he can mold young men, build a culture, and chase greatness — just like he did in Durham. But even as he wears new colors, he’ll always carry that Duke DNA. And with the full blessing of Coach K behind him, Nolan Smith’s head coaching era begins with both credibility and sky-high expectations. If he’s anything like he was at Duke — fearless, driven, and full of heart — then the Tigers just landed a gem. And the rest of college basketball better take notice.
