Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has confirmed that Texas Southern will not renew the contract of head coach Clarence McKinney, which is set to expire on Dec. 15. McKinney inherited a struggling program when he was hired following the 2018 campaign. He completes his tenure with a 12-35 overall record, which is tied for the most wins by a Tigers head coach since Johnnie Cole won 19 games from 2008-2010.

"Texas Southern University will not renew the contract of head football coach Clarence McKinney when it expires on Dec. 15, 2023," said Texas Southern Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Kevin Granger said in a statement. "We wish Coach McKinney well moving forward. The University will begin a nationwide search for our next head coach immediately."

Four of the Tigers losses this season were by a combined 12 points. Injuries ravaged TSU’s roster this season, with 20 players lost to season-ending injuries, including standout quarterback Andrew Body.

Ultimately, TSU’s 2023 season will be remembered for its inability to close games in the second half. The Tigers held a lead in the second half against six of their eight FCS opponents this year and held a lead in the fourth quarter of five games. However, TSU only won two of those games and was outscored 133-78 in the second half of those games. The Tigers were held to a touchdown or less in four of those eight games.

TSU excelled in the classroom during McKinney’s tenure, obtaining an Academic Progress Rate (APR) of 953. However, the Tigers entered the 2023 season expecting to contend for the SWAC West Division title and a spot in the conference title game. Instead, they finished 2-6 in the SWAC this year and will miss the SWAC title game for the 13th consecutive season.

Texas Southern is expected to immediately begin a nationwide search for a new head coach.