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please join us in welcoming Clarence McKinney () the New Head Football Coach here

— TSU Athletics (@TXSOTigers)

Haywood resigned as TSU coach Tuesday after posting a 7-19 record over three seasons and  on Wednesday that McKinney was Texas Southern’s “top target� and that “the job is his if he wants it.�

Texas Southern is located in Houston. McKinney began his coaching career in the Houston high school ranks before joining Kevin Sumlin’s staff at the University of Houston.

"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," McKinney told  of Fox 26 Houston.

McKinney followed Sumlin to Texas A&M and then to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. McKinney is considered one of the Wildcats’ top recruiters, especially in Texas. He also coached a running back unit that helped ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ lead the Pac-12 in rushing for the second straight year.

"My feelings, it's hard, being with somebody over a decade, it's tough," Sumlin said . "He did so much for all of the organizations that I've been a part of. You're also happy for growth. I'm very fortunate to have surrounded myself with guys that can be head coaches. You want the best for them and their family."

. on naming Clarence McKinney (), ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s associate head coach/running backs, the new head coach at Texas Southern: "He's coming home. The sky's the limit for them."

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26)

Under McKinney’s tutelage, redshirt sophomore J.J. Taylor rushed for 1,434 yards, second most in the Pac-12 and the fourth-highest single-season total in UA history.

Texas Southern is an FCS program that plays in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Tigers finished 2-9 this season.