Firebirds Hire Kenny Collins as New Head Coach!

The current Firebirds player now leads the squad as our head coach and will remain an occasional player for the team.

Author

Nicholas Ferrante
January 06, 2026

Happy New Years, Firebirds family! We hope everyone had a great holiday season and we have some big news to start off 2026. We are announcing that Kenny Collins will be the head coach of the Raleigh Firebirds for the 2026 season! Additionally, we want to give you the details on our final mini camp before the 2026 season for any hoopers who thinks they have what it takes to be part of the Firebirds! Lastly, we want to inform everyone about our community 5K STEM & Health Fair coming up in February.

Table of Contents

Firebirds Hire Kenny Collins as Head Coach!

Raleigh Firebirds are proud to announce Kenny Collins as the Head Coach — and occasional player — for the 2026 TBL season.

Collins returns to the Firebirds after six seasons with the team, interspersed with professional stints overseas. He brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and passion to the role. While he’ll lead the team from the sideline, Kenny will also be ready to suit up and contribute on the court when the roster requires it. His ability to connect with players on a deeper level will be a powerful asset for the organization.

Kenny’s background includes time at Wake Tech and a standout playing career at HBCU St. Augustine’s University — experiences that have shaped both his coaching approach and his character. He currently serves as Head Coach at Clayton High School, where he’s built a strong program focused on developing young men both academically and athletically. Kenny’s priority is the person, not just the player.

“We’re extremely excited to have Kenny step into this role. It’s a natural progression for the Firebirds as well as Coach Collins,” said Team Market Owner Wade Harris. We believe this opportunity can propel Kenny to even higher levels of coaching — from the G League to the NBA.

Kenny will join the Firebirds after fulfilling his obligations at Clayton High School and will lead the team in the 2026 TBL season as Head Coach/Player.

Season tip-off:

- Home opener: Saturday, March 7 at 4:00 PM 

- Tailgating begins at 2:30 PM 

- Venue: Newly renovated John Chavis Memorial Center, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, NC

Please join us in welcoming Kenny Collins as Head Coach/Player of the Raleigh Firebirds family. For tickets and more information, visit raleighfirebirds.net. #nextchapter #unfinishedbusiness

Final Chance for Firebirds Mini Camp

Raleigh Firebirds — Final Mini Camp

Join us for the Firebirds’ final mini camp:

- Friday, January 16 — 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

- Saturday, January 17 — 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

- Showcase — Sunday, January 18-‐ 1:00PM (showcase schedule below)

Showcase Sunday, January 18 — game slate: - Game 1: Team Raleigh Firebirds vs. Team Tri State Admirals - Game 2: Team Ballers Unite vs. Team Baseline Sports - Game 3: Winners of Game 1 vs. Winners of Game 2 Come to the mini camp and show your skills for a chance to be invited to the Firebirds training camp on February 25. Then be sure to come back Sunday the 18th for a sneak preview of the local talent pool and some great competitive basketball.

For questions or to register, check the Firebirds’ official channels. See you there! Text 919-830-0305 or email [email protected] for more details. #2026tblchamps

Join our Community 5K STEM & Health Fair!

Join the Raleigh Firebirds Professional Men's Basketball team as they partner with PEARLS IN PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION and ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC (TM) OMEGA LAMBDA OMEGA CHAPTER for our 2nd Annual Community 5K STEM & Health Fair!

Date: Saturday, February 7

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: 5915 Oak Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616 (Across from the Buffalo Lanes Bowling Alley)

Bring the whole family for a fun, healthy, and educational day! Highlights include:

- Community 5K run/walk

- STEM activities to spark kids’ curiosity

- Health sponsors offering information and screenings

- Family-friendly vendors and resources

Please register using the QR code on the event flyer. We welcome the entire community to come out and be part of this amazing event.

For more information, email [email protected] or text 919-830-0305.

Join the Flock!

Make sure to stay tuned for our next edition of the newsletter, as we have some big news coming soon!

Until then,

-Nicky