A dramatic twist has emerged in Texas Southern University’s leadership search.
According to multiple reports, the Texas Southern Board of Regents has rejected the candidacy of Corey Lowery for the Tigers’ vacant men’s basketball head coaching position, while athletic director candidate Ashley Robinson remains on track for a Board vote next week.
Lowery, who had been widely expected to succeed Johnny Jones after serving as an assistant coach at Seton Hall, reportedly saw his candidacy unravel amid concerns that surfaced during the approval process. Earlier this week, reports indicated he had already begun contacting current Texas Southern players before receiving formal approval from the Board of Regents. Sources also alleged those communications could raise potential NCAA compliance concerns because Lowery was still affiliated with Seton Hall at the time. However, no NCAA violation has been publicly announced or confirmed by the NCAA.
In addition to the reported compliance concerns, questions were also raised about portions of Lowery’s professional background and résumé, which reportedly became part of the Board’s deliberations. No official findings regarding those matters have been released by Texas Southern.
Meanwhile, Ashley Robinson appears poised to move forward in the hiring process. The longtime SWAC athletic administrator, who currently serves as athletic director at Jackson State, is expected to receive consideration from the Board next week. Robinson previously led Prairie View A&M’s athletic department before overseeing Jackson State’s athletic resurgence, including the hiring of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as head football coach.
The reported rejection of Lowery leaves Texas Southern once again searching for a permanent men’s basketball coach just weeks before the start of the 2026-27 season. Interim head coach Shyrone Chatman, who has guided the program since Johnny Jones’ departure in April, remains in place as the Tigers prepare for preseason activities.
While Robinson’s candidacy appears to remain on course, Texas Southern’s basketball coaching search has taken an unexpected turn, leaving one of the SWAC’s flagship programs without a permanent leader as the season rapidly approaches.
