Tennessee
Nolan Smith receives contract extension at Tennessee State – HoopDirt
Tennessee State University and head men’s basketball Coach Nolan Smith have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him leading the Tigers through the 2031 season, Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen announced today. The extension reflects the university’s commitment to sustained excellence and the continued growth of its athletics program.
“My staff and I are incredibly blessed to continue leading this program,” said Smith. “Last season, we laid the foundation and established a clear standard for a winning culture. We’re excited, motivated, and ready to keep building something that makes the Tennessee State University community proud.”
“Nolan Smith has made an immediate and transformative impact on our program, leading with purpose, energy, and a commitment to excellence,” said Allen. “He is a winner whose passion for this university has energized our community and strengthened TSU basketball’s national profile. This well-deserved extension provides stability and momentum for the future, and we look forward to continued success under his leadership.”
In his first season, Smith guided the Tigers to a 23–10 overall record and a 15–5 mark in conference play, culminating in Tennessee State’s first OVC Tournament title in more than three decades and the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994.
“This is about building something sustainable and positioning Tennessee State for long-term success,” said TSU President Dwayne Tucker. “Coach Smith has elevated our program in just one year, and this extension reflects our confidence in his leadership and our vision for the future of TSU athletics.”
Smith’s achievements earned him OVC Co-Coach of the Year honors, the first in Tennessee State history, along with finalist recognition for the Joe B. Hall, Ben Jobe, and Hugh Durham Awards, which recognize the nation’s top mid-major coaches. His leadership helped produce a high-scoring offense averaging 80.5 points per game, a relentless defensive presence, and several all-conference players, including OVC Player of the Year Aaron Nkrumah.
“As we continue to move the university forward, strategic investments like this strengthen our ability to compete at a high level, attract top talent, and bring greater national visibility to Tennessee State University,” Tucker added. “This is about momentum, opportunity, and ensuring our student-athletes have the resources and leadership to succeed.”
Head Coach Nolan Smith said, “I’m honored to continue leading this program. Our players, staff, and community have worked tirelessly to build a culture of hard work, accountability, and pride. This extension reflects our shared commitment to elevating TSU basketball, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
With this extension, Tennessee State basketball looks ahead to continued success on and off the court. Under Smith’s leadership, the program is positioned to build on its historic momentum, attract top-tier talent, and further elevate TSU’s presence on the national stage.
https://tsutigers.com/news/2026/4/7/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-head-coach-nolan-smith-agrees-to-extension-through-2031.aspx
See inside L.L.Bean’s first Tennessee location at Franklin mall
L.L.Bean has officially opened the doors to its inaugural Tennessee location at Cool Springs Galleria Mall.
The boot has arrived. After months of anticipation, L.L.Bean opened its inaugural Tennessee location at Cool Springs Galleria mall in Franklin July 17.
To celebrate and spread the word, L.L.Bean’s 13-foot-tall Bootmobile boot-shaped vehicle made appearances throughout the Franklin area, including stops at The Franklin Butchery, Hank’s Coffee Station, Leiper’s Fork Distillery and a Nashville Sounds game.
“For generations, Tennesseans have shopped with L.L.Bean through our catalog and online channels, and we’re excited to finally bring the brand experience to life in Franklin,” said L.L.Bean District Manager Kenon Mitchell. “With its strong outdoor culture and growing community, Franklin is a natural home for L.L.Bean. We look forward to deepening our connection with longtime customers while introducing the brand to new audiences through our legendary service, quality products and outdoor expertise.”
Some fans of the Maine-based outdoor gear store arrived for the opening before dawn.
First in a line of about 150 people was Paul Smith, who got there at 3 a.m.
“We are super excited for this,” Smith said. “We always go up to their headquarters in Maine, so we know what L.L. Bean is and we love them.”
Smith was most excited to purchase some more of their equipment: “Their outdoor equipment is really great. Their backpacks are well known for being waterproof and long-lasting.”
L.L.Bean also made a $10,000 contribution to the Franklin Family YMCA. Since 2022, L.L.Bean has contributed more than $2.25 million to YMCA Summer Camp scholarships.
“We’re an all-American outdoor lifestyle program,” Mitchell said. No matter if you’re walking your dog, playing with your kids, or you’re hiking around, we’re providing the gear that helps to make that experience better. We’ve been around for 114 years and our stuff is really well crafted, that people have loved for years. We’re happy to bring this store to our current fans while bringing our store to more people.
L.L. Bean is located at 1800 Galleria Blvd. Suite 252 at Cool Springs Galleria. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Enter your email and we’ll send a secure one-click link to sign in.
WKRN is provided by Nexstar Media Inc., and uses the My Nexstar sign-in, which works across our media network.
Nexstar Media Inc. is a leading, diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms. The My Nexstar sign-in works across the Nexstar network—including The CW, NewsNation, The Hill, and more. Learn more at nexstar.tv/privacy-policy.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — New TCAP results are giving parents their first look at how students performed across Southeast Tennessee during the 2025-26 school year.
Among the districts in the Chattanooga area, Dayton City Schools posted the highest proficiency rates in English language arts and social studies, while Rhea County led the region in math.
Here’s how districts in the Tennessee portion of the NewsChannel 9 viewing area performed:
Hamilton County:
- English language arts: 40.3%
- Math: 39.9%
- Social studies: 49.7%
Bradley County:
- English language arts: 45.1%
- Math: 43.5%
- Social studies: 46.7%
Marion County:
- English language arts: 37.9%
- Math: 30.6%
- Social studies: 43.3%
Grundy County:
- English language arts: 32.1%
- Math: 30.7%
- Social studies: 39.4%
Sequatchie County:
- English language arts: 34.1%
- Math: 32.0%
- Social studies: 46.4%
Bledsoe County:
- English language arts: 39.8%
- Math: 34.8%
- Social studies: 49.8%
Rhea County:
- English language arts: 44.0%
- Math: 46.1%
- Social studies: 51.4%
Meigs County:
- English language arts: 37.3%
- Math: 32.2%
- Social studies: 41.0%
McMinn County:
- English language arts: 41.1%
- Math: 39.5%
- Social studies: 50.0%
Polk County:
- English language arts: 35.1%
- Math: 27.2%
- Social studies: 43.0%
Cleveland City Schools:
- English language arts: 33.9%
- Math: 31.3%
- Social studies: 36.0%
Dayton City Schools:
- English language arts: 45.7%
- Math: 45.2%
- Social studies: 63.9%
Richard Hardy Memorial School:
- English language arts: 23.6%
- Math: 25.0%
- Social studies: 21.4%
Etowah City Schools:
- English language arts: 34.0%
- Math: 34.0%
- Social studies: 30.6%
Several local districts finished above the statewide proficiency average.
Bradley County, Rhea County and Dayton City exceeded the state average in both English language arts and math.
Rhea County and Dayton City also outperformed the statewide average in social studies, while McMinn County matched the state average in that subject.
Hamilton County school leaders are expected to present a more detailed look at the district’s TCAP results during Thursday night’s school board meeting.
Depend on us to keep you posted.
-
Rhode Island2 minutes ago19-Year-Old Charged With Deadly Providence Pedestrian Bridge Stabbing
-
South-Carolina8 minutes agoWhen Lindsey Graham’s funeral will be in South Carolina
-
South Dakota14 minutes agoMeet Mayor Christine Erickson
-
Tennessee20 minutes agoL.L.Bean opens first Tennessee store in Franklin. See inside
-
Texas26 minutes agoTexas Rangers Homestand Information for July 20-27, 2026
-
Utah32 minutes agoHere’s who will lead Utah Valley University as its next president
-
Vermont38 minutes agoCommunity Profile by Gordon Hayward: NYC bargeman drawn to rural life in Vermont
-
Virginia44 minutes agoEvents canceled due to unhealthy air quality in central Virginia
