TSU enters 2011 season with a lot of uncertainty

Houston, TX - Under typical circumstances, Texas Southern would be entering the 2011 season with heightened expectations after winning last season's Southwestern Athletic Conference championship. But the Tigers' offseason was anything but typical.

Coach Johnnie Cole was terminated in April in advance of an NCAA report that is expected to detail major violations. Defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey was named interim head coach, and he subsequently fired four assistants. The program also was stripped of roughly 15 scholarships for the 2011-12 academic year after posting a poor performance on the NCAA's Academic Progress Report.

Thus, TSU heads into the season uncertain that it'll be able to keep its SWAC title or build on its breakout 2010. The Tigers are still talented, especially on defense and in the running game, but a lack of depth and experience at key spots could prove to be their undoing.

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TSU Tigers await NCAA's ruling while preparing to defend crown

Houston, TX - After months of waiting, Texas Southern interim football coach Kevin Ramsey knows closure is near.

Regardless of the outcome of an NCAA investigation, Ramsey is ready for a fresh start as the Tigers prepare to open defense of their Southwestern Athletic Conference title Sept. 10 against Prairie View A&M. TSU is coming off the first SWAC title in school history.

"We're looking forward ... we're not looking ahead," Ramsey said Tuesday during the SWAC football media tour. "We know we cannot change the path that was set before. But one thing we do know is we can run it with perseverance and endurance."

The NCAA is expected to release its findings of an investigation into the TSU football and men's basketball programs. TSU athletic director Charles McClelland, who was unavailable for comment Tuesday, has said he anticipates "major NCAA violations toward our football program with regard to recruiting, unethical conduct and academic inconsistencies."

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TSU players adapt to changes at top

The Texas Southern football team was temporarily shaken up Friday when Johnnie Cole was relieved of his coaching duties in anticipation of an NCAA report that is expected to reveal major violations committed by the program.

But when the players resumed their spring practice with a scrimmage Saturday afternoon at TSU's Durley Stadium, things had mostly returned to normal. Of course, there was a different man in charge, as former defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey has been promoted to interim coach. There was also one less assistant coach after Ramsey fired associate head coach/quarterbacks coach Daryl Williams shortly after taking over the reins.

Saturday's practice was...

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Texas Southern University parts ways with football coach Cole

TSU Interim Head Coach Kevin Ramsey
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Texas Southern University football coach Johnnie Cole was fired Friday afternoon in advance of an NCAA report that is expected to detail major violations committed by the program.

Defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey was elevated to interim head coach, and a permanent replacement will be named after the 2011 season, athletic director Charles McClelland said in a release obtained by the Chronicle.

TSU coach Johnnie Cole out as report of major violations expected

HOUSTON — Texas Southern University, expecting a report detailing major NCAA violations, says head coach Johnnie Cole will not be leading the Tigers next season. 

Athletics Director Charles McClelland said Friday he appreciated the coach's service, however, "we have agreed that Coach Cole's separation from the program is best for all parties."  The move is effective immediately.  McClelland said the school anticipates "major NCAA violations toward our football program ...

TSU: Johnnie Cole no longer head football coach

HOUSTON – TSU on Friday said Johnnie Cole is no longer their head football coach, ahead of what they expect will be “major NCAA violations” toward their football program.

TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland said Defensive Coordinator Kevin Ramsey will serve as interim head coach while they search for Cole’s permanent replacement.

"We want to thank Coach Cole for his years of service at Texas Southern, however at this time, we have agreed that Coach Cole’s separation from the program is best for all parties," McClelland said. "We will utilize the next nine months to thoroughly search for a head football coach; one that will ensure that the needs of our students are met, and engage the alumni, employees and the entire TSU community."

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