Ashley Robinson to become Texas Southern athletic director

Ashley Robinson is departing Jackson State University to become the new Vice President and Director of Athletics at Texas Southern University. The Texas Southern Board of Trustees has approved Robinson's contract as part of a broader shake-up in HBCU athletics that also includes the hiring of former Seton Hall assistant coach Corey Lowry as the institution's basketball coach.

Robinson has led Jackson State athletics since 2018, a tenure marked by significant high-profile hires and competitive success. Most notably, he was responsible for hiring Deion Sanders as head football coach in 2020, a move that helped lead the program to back-to-back SWAC championships and a Cricket Celebration Bowl title in 2024. He also oversaw the hiring of women's basketball head coach Tomekia Reed.

Jackson State confirmed the departure via social media, expressing gratitude for Robinson's service to student-athletes and the university. Alumni and university supporters have reacted with mixed emotions, noting his impact on bringing championships to the school and his ability to unite the university and the city of Jackson.