Texas Southern Players Met With Dr. Granger On Coach McKinney, Program's Future

Several Texas Southern football players met with the school's vice president of athletics about head coach Clarence McKinney and the program's future.

Kyle T. Mosley | Nov 17, 2023

HOUSTON - During a meeting with Dr. Kevin Granger, the vice president of athletics, several Texas Southern football players discussed the current state of the Tigers' football program and the status of head football coach Clarence McKinney. Dr. Granger told HBCU Legends the meeting was in response to an article reporting "incorrect information about Texas Southern parting ways with Coach McKinney." He continued, "Most of them saw the incorrect information and didn't see my statement saying it was untrue. A few of them saw it, but a majority had not seen it."

At this time, Dr. Granger still has yet to decide on Coach McKinney's future. "I shared with them that I start the process when you finish the season. I do this with every sport that we have [at Texas Southern]. I haven't started that process here."

Coach Clarence McKinney and LaDarius Owens Postgame Interview — Coach Clarence McKinneyVP of Athletics, Dr. Kevin Granger

Texas Southern VP of Athletics Dr. Kevin Granger Interview — Coach Clarence McKinneyVP of Athletics, Dr. Kevin Granger

Dr. Granger refrained from divulging his thoughts on the football program's progress. He said, "We've had some good things to happen in season and bad things to happen. But, I haven't dived into a full evaluation."

Coach Clarence McKinney was minutes from winning the 2022 SWAC West title last season before losing his starting quarterback, Andrew Body, to a shoulder injury versus Alabama A&M. TSU lost 24-20 as the Bulldogs rallied to win in the final game of the 2022 season.

Andrew Body opened the season against Prairie View A&M in the Labor Day Classic. However, his shoulder had not fully healed, so Body applied for a redshirt exemption while retaining two years of NCAA eligibility. Transfer student-athlete Jace Wilson took over as the Tigers' starting signal-caller. His best outing was in Week 11 as Texas Southern stunned Alcorn State with a 44-10 upset. Wilson completed 17 of 23 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers' all-time leading rusher, LaDarius Owens, rushed for 211 yards on 24 carries.

Coach McKinney's future with Texas Southern is murky, at best. Dr. Granger verified that several returning players supported McKinney's return. QB Jace Wilson replied to an HBCU Legend social media post on the rumors, "Run It Back." The Texas Southern Tigers (3-7) will have their season finale against Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (1-9) at 2 PM CT in Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 18.

TSU VP Dr. Granger Dismisses Rumors: We 'Have Not Made A Decision' On Coach McKinney

Published Nov 17, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: