Collierville, Tenn. – Collierville High School has named Erik Buggs as its next Head Men’s Basketball Coach, with his tenure beginning in the 2026–27 season. A Memphis native with experience at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels, Buggs brings a strong record of success, player development, and championship culture to the Dragons’ program.

Buggs most recently served as interim head coach for the Tennessee State University men’s basketball team following the departure of Brian “Penny” Collins to the NBA in the summer of 2025. He joined the TSU staff for the 2024–25 season after three impactful seasons at UT Martin, where he helped guide the Skyhawks to an Ohio Valley Conference regular season championship and 21 wins in 2023–24. During his
tenure, UT Martin set multiple school records, advanced to consecutive OVC Tournament semifinals, and ranked among the national leaders in scoring, rebounding, and efficiency.

Prior to his collegiate coaching experience, Buggs served as associate head coach at Houston High School during its 26–3, state championship season in 2020–21. He also held head coaching positions at Kingsbury High School and Memphis Catholic High School, and later led recruiting efforts for Hoop City Basketball Club, an Adidas Gauntlet program, where he helped place players at every level of college basketball.
Buggs played professionally overseas from 2013–16 before launching his coaching career.

As a collegiate student-athlete at Valparaiso University, he was a key contributor to 95 wins, two Horizon League regular season championships, a conference tournament title, and three postseason appearances. He earned Horizon League Tournament MVP honors in 2013 and remains Valparaiso’s all-time leader in games played.

“Coach Buggs brings tremendous passion for student-athletes, a strong commitment to excellence, and the leadership qualities that align with the proud tradition of Collierville High School,” said CHS Principal Roger Jones. “I am confident he will make a lasting impact on our players, our school, and our community, and we
look forward with great excitement to the future of Collierville basketball under his leadership.”

Buggs holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Memphis. He and his wife, Destiny, have five children.