Legendary basketball coach Tubby Smith makes huge career decision

Tubby Smith is as respected as they come as it pertains to coaching. However, the legendary coach made a huge career decision on Wednesday, stepping down as the head coach of the High Point Panthers.

“High Point University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tubby Smith announced today that he is stepping down as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at High Point University for the remainder of the 2021-22 season,” wrote the program. “His son and current associate head coach G.G. Smith will take over as the Head Coach for the remainder of the 2021-22 and the 2022-2023 season.”

As you can see, Tubby Smith is passing the baton to his son. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Smith was more than thankful to High Point.

“I feel blessed to have had an amazing career leading, coaching and teaching great young men at first-class institutions,” stated Smith. “Working at my alma mater during this stage of my career has been a dream.

“I’m thrilled that G.G. will be taking over as head coach. He will do a super job. Moving forward Donna and I will continue the work we have done for over two decades to support and assist the University as proud alums of HPU. HPU will always have a very special place in our hearts as we met and fell in love here at High Point. Our commitment and passion for HPU will never wane and we intend to continue be an integral part of its growth and prosperity well into the future.

“I always tell kids about the importance of getting an education, and that is what I got from High Point University – an education on how to make decisions, how to live and conduct myself, and how to help others.”

More on Tubby Smith, High Point Panthers

Tubby Smith wanted to give back to High Point, and he did that in coaching the Panthers. Now, it warms his heart that his son G.G. Smith will takeover the program from him.

Moving forward, G.G. Smith will coach the Panthers from inside their home arena, looking to win games on a court named after his parents — Tubby and Donna Smith Court. As you can see, the Smith family roots run deep at High Point.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tubby Smith has had immense success. From his most famous stop at Kentucky, to his return to High Point, Smith has a legacy that will live on forever. Time will tell what his next move is, but betting against Tubby Smith is something basketball fans have learned not to do.