Texas Southern University announced on August 19, 2026 that Ashley Robinson would take over as athletic director while Corey Lowery was named head coach of the men’s basketball team, marking a swift leadership change after a turbulent period.
A new era for Tigers basketball
The appointments came amid protests that erupted when former coach Shyrone Chatman was dismissed and interim leadership was briefly considered, with players, students and alumni gathering outside board meetings to voice their discontent.
Robinson, who previously steered athletics at Prairie View A&M and Jackson State, earned a reputation for securing high‑profile hires, most notably the hiring of Deion Sanders to lead the football program at Jackson State.
Lowery brings a diverse coaching résumé, having served as an assistant under Shaheen Holloway at Saint Peter’s and Seton Hall, contributed to the Pirates’ 2024 NIT championship, and guided Middlesex County College to the junior‑college Elite Eight before stints at Lincoln University and Essex County College.
During his introductory press conference, Lowery made a notable slip, mistakenly referring to Texas Southern University as TCU, a slip that drew a brief laugh from the audience but did not overshadow his commitment to the program.
TSU’s basketball legacy includes seven NCAA tournament appearances in the past 13 years, a pedigree that administrators hope the new staff will leverage as they aim to restore national relevance.
University President J.W. Crawford III praised the student body’s passion, describing it as a “positive sign” of institutional pride, and expressed confidence that the combined expertise of Robinson and Lowery would steer the Tigers forward.
Lowery has said his philosophy centers on winning and focusing on the court, acknowledging early setbacks but promising a relentless pursuit of success.