HOUSTON- Clarence McKinney is returning to Houston to become the next head football coach at Texas Southern University. McKinney, who has served as Associate Head Coach and Running Backs Coach at the University of Arizona in 2018, has an extensive history in the Houston and 3rd Ward area. He was an award-winning Head Coach at Jack Yates High School prior to joining Kevin Sumlin's staff at the University of Houston in 2008.McKinney

"We are beyond excited to bring in someone with the experience and success that Clarence McKinney has achieved at the highest levels of the collegiate ranks," said Kevin Granger, TSU's Interim Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics. "His coaching talent, his emphasis on developing the complete student-athlete, as well as his ability to recruit locally, regionally and nationally, gives TSU a distinct advantage as we move our program to the next level."

McKinney coached running backs for four seasons under Coach Sumlin at the University of Houston and also served as recruiting coordinator. He then joined Sumlin at Texas A&M, where he was the running backs coach for six years. In 2016, the Aggies produced the one of its greatest rushing seasons under McKinney's direction.

In addition to his running backs coach duties, McKinney served as the Aggies' Offensive Coordinator and play-caller for the 2013 Cotton Bowl and the 2013 regular season. Under his leadership, the Aggies led the SEC in passing, scoring and total offense, while setting school records for passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage.

"I am happy to be returning to my hometown and former neighborhood to lead and develop the student-athletes in the football program at Texas Southern University," said McKinney. "I am looking forward to partnering with Dr. Lane and the administration, staff, student-athletes, alumni and fans to build the type of program we can all be proud of. I appreciate Dr. Lane and Kevin Granger presenting me with the opportunity to lead this program."