HOUSTON — Texas Southern University announced the appointment of Shyrone Chatman as Interim Head Coach of the men's basketball program, elevating a longtime fixture of the Tigers' coaching staff to lead the program.
Chatman enters the role with extensive experience at the collegiate level, beginning his ninth season on staff at Texas Southern after joining the program in the fall of 2017. A Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, Chatman has played a significant role in one of the most successful stretches in program history, contributing to postseason success under multiple head coaches.
"Coach Chatman has been an integral part of the success and stability of our men's basketball program for nearly a decade," said Interim Athletic Director Dr. Paula Jackson. "His deep understanding of Texas Southern, his commitment to our student‑athletes, and his extensive experience at every level of college basketball make him well prepared to lead this program during this transition."
Since arriving at Texas Southern, Chatman has helped guide the Tigers to multiple SWAC championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. During the 2017–18 season, TSU earned its first NCAA Tournament victory in program history with a First Four win over North Carolina Central. The Tigers finished that season with a 12–6 conference record and captured the SWAC Tournament title.
Chatman continued his success after reuniting with head coach Johnny Jones in 2018. That season, Texas Southern recorded notable nonconference wins over Baylor, No. 18 Oregon, and Texas A&M, while finishing 14–4 in SWAC play and advancing to the SWAC Tournament finals for the third consecutive year. The Tigers later made a deep run in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, reaching the semifinals.
Under Chatman's guidance, TSU has remained a perennial contender in the SWAC. The Tigers earned their ninth NCAA Tournament berth in 2021 and followed it with a historic 2022 campaign that included a SWAC Tournament championship and a regular‑season victory over No. 20 Florida. In 2022–23, Texas Southern became the first No. 8 seed to win the SWAC Tournament, extending the program's postseason streak to nine consecutive seasons.
Renowned for his work with guards and commitment to player development, Chatman has mentored numerous All‑SWAC and All‑District performers, including Michael Weathers, Karl Nicholas, P.J. Henry, and Kavion McClain. His former recruits have made an impact throughout the league, notably Brison Gresham, who led the SWAC in rebounding and blocks during TSU's 2022 championship season.
Before arriving at Texas Southern, Chatman spent nine seasons at the University of Massachusetts, rising from Director of Player Personnel to Associate Head Coach. During his tenure, UMass produced 101 wins, three 20‑win seasons, two NIT appearances, and its first NCAA Tournament berth since 1998, while also signing the top‑rated Atlantic 10 recruiting class in 2016–17.
Chatman's résumé also includes experience at the highest levels of college basketball. At Memphis, Chatman was part of the Tigers' NCAA Tournament runs that included an Elite Eight appearance in 2007 and a 2008 Final Four campaign that culminated in a National Championship game appearance, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history.
As a player, Chatman starred at Memphis under Hall of Fame coach John Calipari, helping lead the Tigers to the 2001 NIT Final Four, before transitioning into collegiate coaching and player development roles.
"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead this program and for the trust placed in me by the administration," said Chatman. "Texas Southern basketball has a proud tradition of success, and my focus is on continuing that standard while supporting our student‑athletes on and off the court. This is a special place, and I'm committed to guiding our program with integrity, energy, and purpose."
With nearly two decades of collegiate coaching, recruiting, and player development experience, Chatman steps into the interim role prepared to guide a program synonymous with postseason excellence, consistency, and championship expectations.
Texas Southern will announce additional details regarding the men's basketball program at a later date.
