Texas Southern University Will Part Ways With Coach Clarence McKinney

TSU will not renew the contract of head football coach Clarence McKinney.

Texas Southern University (TSU) will not renew the contract of head football coach Clarence McKinney, whose contract will expire Dec. 15.

According to Sports Illustrated, McKinney will finish his time at TSU with a 12-35 record and a 9-26 record in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in five seasons. In the team’s season finale, the Tigers lost a 35-34 nailbiter to Arkansas-Pine Bluff (APB) after TSU jumped out to a 31-7 halftime lead on LaDarius Owens’ three first-quarter touchdowns and a 96-yard fumble return by Canary Simmons.

However, APB scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to overcome the deficit including a blocking a punt that was returned 30 yards by Elijah Jenkins for a TD. APB Quarterback Mekhi Hagens scored the game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard run with 1:46 left in the game.

After the game, McKinney said he appreciated the opportunity TSU gave him to be a head football coach.

“I appreciate this opportunity. I don’t take for granted to be the head coach of Texas Southern University Tigers,” McKinney said, according to SI. “Growing up in the neighborhood, always hearing the band as a kid. Coming over and playing on the field during those times I was a kid, and playing a little tackle football. It’s a special moment for me to be the head coach at TSU.”

McKinney previously coached at the University of Houston under head coach Kevin Sumlin and at the University of Arizona, where he served as the associate head coach and running backs coach in 2018.

TSU finished this season 3-8 and was 2-6 in the SWAC. Quarterback Jace Wilson led the team in passing with 1,399 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Owens led the Tigers in rushing with 204 carries for 1,399 yards and 11 TDs. Linebacker Jacob Williams was the leader on defense with 72 tackles and 7.5 sacks.