Texas Southern’s search for a new football coach didn’t last long. Michael Haywood will be Texas Southern’s new head football coach. Athletic director Charles McClelland states, “With his background and extensive experience we were lucky to get someone of Haywood’s caliber.”
Dr. John Rudley, President of Texas Southern University, agreed with McClelland’s assessment of Haywood.
“We are very excited to have Mike take over the helm of our football program,” said Rudley. “We’ve always had the vision of getting the program to the next level and it started several years ago when we looked to bring a first class facility to our fans, student-athletes, and supporters. Now for us the next step in reaching our goals centers around putting together a championship quality product on the field. We feel without a doubt the individual that will help us reach that next goal is Coach Haywood as proven by his success as both an assistant and head coach.”
He replaces Darrell Asberry, who stepped down on Sunday after Texas Southern went 3-7.
Haywood most recently was the coach at Miami of Ohio. Haywood, 51, has been out of coaching since early 2011 when he was arrested on felony domestic violence charges two weeks after accepting the Pittsburgh head coaching job. He was fired shortly afterward. The charges were dismissed in 2012 after Haywood completed pre-trial diversion requirements, counseling, and public service. He interviewed for the Tulane head coaching job in 2011.
“I apologized for this terrible mistake that I made,” Haywood told the television station. “It was wrong what I did. I have learned from this situation. It has gone through the legal situation and I have been cleared. I am thankful that I am able to continue my coaching career.”
He has worked in private business for the last five years. He doesn’t believe his time away from coaching will hurt him.
“I really don’t think it affects me at all,” Haywood said. “I’ve spent a significant amount of time consulting other universities and high schools in the area. At the same time I’ve done pregame and postgame shows for the University of Notre Dame. So I’ve been heavily involved in football over the last five years.”
Haywood orchestrated a major turnaround while at Miami of Ohio. In 2009 the team was 1-11 and 1-7 in Mid-American Conference play. The following season Haywood won MAC Coach of the Year honors after leading the team to an 11-1 record with an 8-1 mark in conference play.
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