Former Elizabethton Cyclones Basketball Coach, Len Dugger, Dies After Prolonged Illness, Leaving Behind His Beloved Wife, Diane
Daniel Santos
Published May 15, 2026
Former Elizabethton Cyclones Basketball Coach, Len Dugger, Dies After Prolonged Illness, Leaving Behind His Beloved Wife, Diane
He ranked as Carter County’s fifth winningest coach of all time behind Buck Van Huss, John Treadway, Charlie Bayless and Jerry White.
May 13, 2026
This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on May 13, 2026
Len Dugger, a well-known high school basketball coach in the Northeast Tennessee area, passed away on May 12 after a long illness.
He began his coaching career in 1979 with the Elizabethton boys’ basketball team and ended that chapter with a 304-195 record.
Next, in 1983, he led the team to the state tournament, finishing the season with 31 wins and a spot in the semifinals.
After taking a break from coaching, Dugger returned in 2007 to lead the Elizabethton girls basketball team.
He stayed with the Lady Cyclones until 2016, when he guided them to six state tournament appearances and helped them win a state title in 2014.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Len Dugger
Debbie Jones McVey, who knows the coach, shared that while it’s hard to lose Len Dugger, there’s comfort in believing he’s now in a better place with the Lord.
As his family and friends feel the pain of his passing, they also find peace in knowing he’s finally home.
To be absent from the body is to be present with Lord! Len Dugger is walking the streets of gold. As his family and friends grieve his loss on this side, we also rejoice in knowing he is forever at home. We will forever miss you!
Further, Reazyn DeMoss shared how much Coach Len Dugger meant to her, calling him a truly special person in her life.
She said he always pushed her to give more, even when she thought she had nothing left.
He treated her like family, and she is also grateful that her child, Brix, got to know and learn from him.
She asked others to keep the coach’s wife, Diane, and the rest of the family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Coach Len Dugger – a very special person to me and someone who I owe a forever “thank you” to. I’d give what I thought was 100% but, somehow, he always knew there was little bit more in there. He treated me like a daughter and I’ll forever be grateful for his role in my life. I am thankful Brix was able to know him and learn from him too. Please be thinking of Diane and their family as they navigate the days to come.
Moreover, former student Lisa Woodby for elementary physical education and described him as a kind and wonderful person.
Before Coach Len Dugger passed away on May 4, Natasha Peters shared a heartfelt message asking for prayers for their family, especially for Len and his wife Diane.
She said that only Jesus could give Len what he truly needed, and while she still held on to hope that he might recover, she also recognized that sometimes we have to let go when the time comes.
For anyone could pray for our family diane and len dugger as len is well only jesus can do for him what he needs, but when our time has come we have to let go. I still have hope that just maybe he wont go.we are devastated to say the least all this has been extremely hard on us. This man has been so good to my children and me. He is the rock and this last month seeing him go through so much, being so sick has truly emotional crushed me and his wife, my kids.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Coach Len Dugger.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Science Hill Athletic Director Keith Turner confirmed the demise of the beloved coach, Len Dugger.
- Some of Dugger’s players included Elvin Brown, who played at Tennessee.
- Dugger played for Van Huss before he took the coaching job at D-B, and after college.
- Check other Articles on
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