After 23 seasons at the helm, Oak Ridge boys basketball coach Aaron Green is hanging up his whistle. The school announced his retirement on May 4, marking the end of an era for the Wildcats' program.
Green, 48, isn't just any coach—he's Oak Ridge's all-time winningest basketball coach, with 428 career victories. A former Tennessee guard who played under Bruce Pearl and later served as a video coordinator for the Vols, Green brought a lifetime of basketball wisdom to the sidelines. His journey from the hardwood to the bench was fueled by a passion that spanned 27 years of coaching, the last 16 of which were at Oak Ridge High School.
"After 27 years of coaching, and 23 at the high school level, the time has come for me to step away from the game I love," Green said in a statement. "The last 16 years as head boys basketball coach at Oak Ridge High School have been incredibly special to me and my family. When I arrived in 2010, my goal was to raise the level of expectation for an already tradition-rich program. I'm proud to say I believe we've done that—and that I'm leaving the program in a better place than when I arrived."
Under Green's leadership, the Wildcats became a powerhouse. They made two TSSAA state championship appearances—in 2014 and 2025—and qualified for the state tournament seven times. Add 15 district championships to that list, and it's clear Green built something special. In his final season, Oak Ridge went 18-13, finishing third in District 4-4A before falling to Bearden in the regional semifinal.
"This decision wasn't easy," Green admitted. "Coaching has been a big part of who I am for a long time. But I know it's the right time. I'm not going anywhere. I still care deeply about this school, this program, and this community. I look forward to staying involved and supporting the continued growth of athletics here in any way I can. For now, I'm looking forward to spending more time with family, continuing in the classroom, and focusing on the next chapter with the same work ethic and approach that coaching has always required."
Green's basketball roots run deep. He was a standout player for his father, Danny Green, at Sweetwater, where he won the TSSAA Class AA state championship in 1994. His coaching career began at age 22 at Cleveland High School, where he compiled a 153-72 record over seven seasons with the Blue Raiders. In 2025, he was inducted into the Oak Ridge Sports Hall of Fame—a fitting honor for a man who gave so much to the game.
As Oak Ridge begins its search for the 11th boys basketball coach in school history, Green leaves behind a legacy of excellence. His impact on the court and in the community will be felt for years to come.