College Basketball Head Coach Quits For NBA Job originally appeared on The Spun.
A men’s college basketball head coach has stepped down from his position to pursue a coaching gig in the NBA.
The 2024-25 NBA season came to an end earlier this month. The Oklahoma City Thunder topped the Indiana Pacers in seven games in the NBA Finals. The NBA’s 2025 offseason is officially underway, with free agency starting on Monday evening.
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Heading into the start of the 2025 NBA offseason, a notable men’s college basketball head coach has stepped down, in order to pursue a professional gig.
Tennessee State University head men’s basketball coach Brian “Penny” Collins has stepped down, effective immediately, to accept a coaching position in the NBA, the school announced on Monday.
NCAA basketball on court. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Collins had been the school’s head coach for seven seasons.
The program reached the semifinals in last season’s Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and finished the year with a 17-16 overall record.
“On behalf of Tennessee State University, I wish Coach Collins and his family the very best as they begin this exciting new chapter,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen. “We are proud to congratulate Coach Collins on this significant opportunity, which reflects the meaningful work he has done here over the past seven years.”
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“Coach Collins built a family-oriented culture and a competitive program that earned the respect of our conference and the broader basketball community. His impact on our student-athletes and the Tennessee State University family has been profound. His passion and unwavering commitment to developing young men and providing a first-class experience have been truly invaluable.”
The school is grateful for his time.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to Coach Collins for his leadership and for guiding our student-athletes with integrity and purpose,” said Interim President Dwayne Tucker. “He has played a key role in bringing our men’s basketball program back to a competitive standing in the OVC.”
Best of luck to Coach Collins in the NBA.
College Basketball Head Coach Quits For NBA Job first appeared on The Spun on Jun 30, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
