err?
Are you talking abt in a BJT the base-emitter and base-collector form a PN junction thus are diodes (and hence why BJT's need a ~0.6V to bias them on).
If that is the case you would still need a free-wheel diode for the inductive load since that diode that is part of the BJT cannot provide a freewheel path for the collector inductive load
However you switch an inductor when current is still flowing (or possibly flowing) a freewheel path is NEEDED. Be your switch a relay,BJT,FET,IGBT or an old man throwing a contactor.
IGBT's are great use them (or if low power FET's). You will still need a diode across the inductor to provide a freewheel path.
If you were planning on using Triac's how were you going to switch them off once it is conducting?