Texas Southern’s search for its next head football coach has been a complete disaster and Hines Ward is apparently among the candidates. That’s a new development!
The Tigers are now considering two former NFL wide receivers, with former Texans pass-catcher Andre Johnson also in the mix. However, the 2024 college football season is going to come and go before a decision is made at this rate.
Let’s break it down!
Former head coach Clarence McKinney, who was hired in 2018, did not have his contract renewed on Nov. 20. Eight days later, the Houston Chronicle published an article that suggested Johnson take over.
On Dec. 7, Texas Southern reportedly narrowed its search down to former Nebraska coach Mickey Joseph and former Colorado defensive backs coach Brett Maxie. On Dec. 13, the school pivoted hard to Fred McNair.
There was just one issue — McNair was still employed as the head coach at Alcorn State. The Tigers went to approve the hire despite that (not-so) minor detail but the Board of Regents failed to reach quorum.
Four days later, on Dec. 19, McNair and Alcorn State failed to come to an agreement on a new contract. He was set to be named head coach at Texas Southern but…….. at least two members did not attend the meeting or held out of the vote to approve the hire and it failed, again.
Texas Southern went back to the drawing board!
McNair, who essentially left his job with the Braves to become the Tigers’ next head football coach, is stuck in a standstill. He is currently unemployed.
Texas Southern has not hired him— or anyone. The program went through the Early Signing Period without a head coach. Christmas came and went. Still nothing.
The Board of Regents met again on Dec. 28 and had full attendance. It failed to reach an agreement on whether McNair or Johnson would receive a four-year, $313,000 annual contract and deferred the decision, again.
It is now 2024 and the Tigers do not have a head coach. A contingency of folks found the McNair hire to be tired and uninspiring. Others pushed back on Johnson because he has never coached before.
A new name is now involved as a result! According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Texas Southern have also contacted Ward about the opportunity.
Hines Ward has coaching experience.
The former four-time Pro Bowl pass-catcher and Super Bowl MVP might be something of a compromise. There is some middle ground.
Ward is a flashier hire than McNair (poor guy). He also has the experience that Johnson doesn’t.
Ward served as an offensive assistant with the Jets in 2019 and 2020 before leaving to become the wide receivers coach at Florida Atlantic in 2021. The San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL hired him as their head coach in 2023.
They went 3-7 in 2023 and Ward resigned from his role after the season in response to a change in contract structure.
Is he off to become the next coach at Texas Southern? Who knows…