In a move that shocked most observers following the search for a new head football coach at Texas Southern, the Tigers named former Houston Oilers legend Cris Dishman head coach. The hiring of Dishman brings a very messy search to a close while finally ending another embarrassing episode for the university.

Ultimately, Dishman was the right choice based on the apparent criteria we could obtain from the dysfunction. The Board of Regents wanted a splash hire, and Andre Johnson's interest caused some members to explore the possibility of hiring the former Houston Texans wide receiver.

However, sources indicate that Johnson did not have a degree, ultimately leading Johnson to remove his name from the search. The Board of Regents apparently wanted someone with notoriety, which led to interest in former Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward. It seemed unlikely that Ward would be willing to take a pay cut to coach at TSU, especially after the reported reason he left San Antonio was over their desire to reduce his $500,000 salary.

Another problem Johnson faced during the search was his lack of coaching experience since his playing career ended. Ward has a better coaching resume than Johnson. Still, it seemed unlikely that Ward would be willing to take a pay cut to coach at TSU, especially after the reported reason he left San Antonio was over their desire to reduce his $500,000 salary.

In hiring Dishman, the university found its man. A two-time NFL Pro Bowl selection who spent his first nine seasons with the Oilers, Dishman brings the credibility of a 13-year professional career. It also adds intrigue to the Labor Day Classic, considering Dishman and Prairie View A&M head coach Bubba McDowell were teammates on the Oilers.

Dishman brings a 19-year coaching career, including serving his last three seasons as a defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Vipers of the XFL and the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. During his coaching career, Dishman has made stops at NCAA Division III Menlo, Baylor, and McNeese.

Naturally, the university’s press release touted the addition of Dishman. More importantly, after much negative publicity over the last two months, the initial fan reaction was positive.

Will Dishman have more than four years to impress the administration, donors, alums, and fans? That’s to be determined, but the football program will face the unintended consequences of the administration’s dysfunctional search. The Tigers have already missed the early signing day and are facing a challenging recruiting battle this cycle. Many on last season’s roster entered the transfer portal in November.

Speaking of needing to catch up on recruiting with a depleted roster, Dishman has to assemble a staff. None of the issues facing Dishman are his fault or his doing, but it’s now his responsibility to put together a competitive roster for the 2024 season.