Texas Southern University has been without a full‑time head coach for men’s basketball since early April, a vacancy that opened when Johnny Jones accepted an assistant position at Louisiana State University.
The university appointed Shyrone Chatman as interim head coach on April 20, 2026, giving him the responsibility of steering the program while a national search is underway.
Chatman, a former player under John Calipari and a longtime assistant at several high‑profile programs, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and outlined his vision for the team’s future.
A Quiet Search Amidst Transition
The administration has enlisted DHR Global, a leading executive‑search firm with a track record in collegiate athletics, to identify a permanent replacement. Officials have said they will not comment on the process until a finalist emerges.
In the meantime, Chatman has already secured commitments from two recruits for the 2026‑27 class, Jason Kimbrough Jr. and Sayed Sayed, signaling an aggressive recruiting approach.
The interim coach also received public endorsements from notable figures, including Johnny Jones, John Calipari and former NBA point guard Rod Strickland, who have voiced support for his permanent appointment.
Support from the Past
Former coach Mike Davis, who originally hired Chatman in 2017, has spoken of his confidence in the interim leader’s ability to restore the program’s competitiveness.
Paula Jackson currently serves as interim athletics director after Kevin Granger was dismissed amid allegations of misconduct, adding another layer of transition within the department.
The broader context of the search reflects a pattern across several institutions that have recently shifted coaching staff, underscoring the volatility of college basketball’s mid‑major landscape.
Looking Ahead
As the search continues, the university hopes to appoint a permanent head coach before the new season begins, ensuring stability for the players and staff already committed.