Texas Southern University entered the new academic year still searching for two of its most visible sports leadership positions, leaving the men's basketball program and the athletic department without permanent heads as classes are set to resume on August 17.
Interim leadership steps forward
Interim Athletic Director Dr. Paula L. Jackson and interim head coach Shyrone Chatman have taken charge of day‑to‑day operations, overseeing roster decisions, staffing matters and the coordination of both the basketball and broader athletics schedules while the university works toward final hires.
The hiring process suffered a setback when a former NBA head coach, once considered a front‑runner for the basketball vacancy, withdrew after an interview, and another strong candidate has requested to remain anonymous while discussions continue.
The search committee comprises two current or former HBCU athletic directors and a Texas Southern alumnus with professional sports experience, yet a disagreement on the board over President James W. Crawford III’s preferred candidate has slowed progress.
Compounding the delay, a personal family matter involving President Crawford has pushed the timeline beyond the summer, leaving the athletics department without a clear long‑term vision as rosters are assembled and scholarship allocations are finalized.
Urgency mounts as the season approaches
With the football team slated to open the 2026 season on August 29 against North Carolina Central and students returning to campus in the coming days, the pressure is mounting for the administration to resolve the leadership vacuum before the first games begin.
The university has emphasized that a thorough, deliberate process is essential for sustainable success, but the extended timeline underscores the challenges of aligning institutional priorities, board dynamics and personal considerations in a high‑stakes hiring environment.