Texas Southern's Head Coach Search Drama
HOUSTON - The Texas Southern University's head football coach search has taken a confusing twist by deviating from reportedly naming Fred McNair into a state of utter confusion. TSU's issues have suddenly become a perplexing entanglement between Dr. Kevin Granger (VP of Athletics), the Board of Regents, Coach Fred McNair, and future NFL Hall of Famer Andre Johnson (Houston Texans).
The Texas Southern University website lists the following members as the TSU Board of Regents: Brandon L. Simmons (Chairman), James M. Benham (Vice Chair), Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige (Second Vice-Chair), Marilyn A. Rose (Secretary), Caroline Baker Hurley, Richard A. Johnson III, Pamela A. Medina, and student regent Dylan C. Getwood. However, the vote to approve the contract for the new head coach has been delayed due to the failure to meet quorum.
Coach Fred McNair; Credit: Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU Legends
Here is what we know:
- Texas Southern's head coach search committee recommended Fred McNair as its "top choice" for the position.
- Dr. Kevin Granger submitted his name to the interim president.
- According to a source, the Board of Regents had planned a "Special Meeting" for Friday, December 15, 2023, at 10:00 AM CT to approve a four-year, $313,000 annual contract. However, the required quorum was not achieved.
- Interim AD Robert Raines of Alcorn State University released a statement saying Coach McNair and the school "could not reach a mutual agreement" on a multi-year contract.
- On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the Board of Regents organized a "Special Meeting" at 12:30 PM CT, intending to endorse the contract for the head football coach. However, during the meeting, two members either failed to attend or disagreed with the selection. It's reported that those members have a preference for Andre Johnson as a potential candidate.
Today is National Signing Day, and Texas Southern does not have a head football coach. It is an understatement to say that Fred McNair's employment is in limbo - in utter disorder. He's off The Reservation in Mississippi, hoping the situation at Texas Southern will work in his favor.
Regarding TSU, the recent events have been detrimental to the school and football program's reputation, which was in the process of rebuilding under Clarence McKinney's leadership. The decision to part ways with him and the subsequent confusion that followed has turned into a public relations disaster, which is negatively impacting the Tigers' recruiting efforts. Even former Bethune-Cookman's head coach Ed Reed posted his interest in joining the fray.
The Texas Southern athletic department and Board of Regents must find an immediate compromise to settle on a leader for the student-athletes caught in the middle of this bedlam.
We shall see.
