Texas Southern Coach Johnny Jones Resigns to Join LSU Staff

Jones will reunite with former LSU head coach Will Wade after leading the Tigers to 3 SWAC titles.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a college basketball game or match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of deep blue, forest green, and crimson red overlapping to create a sense of motion and energy on the court.The departure of a longtime college basketball coach sparks a shift in the coaching landscape at two prominent programs.Baton Rouge Today

Texas Southern head coach Johnny Jones will reportedly resign from his position to join the coaching staff at LSU under new head coach Will Wade. Jones previously served as the head coach at LSU from 2012-2017, leading the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament in 2015.

Why it matters

This move reunites Jones with his former LSU colleague Will Wade, who is returning as the Tigers' head coach. It also represents a significant shift in the coaching staff at both Texas Southern and LSU, two prominent college basketball programs.

The details

Jones had been the head coach at Texas Southern since 2018-19, compiling a 133-125 record and leading the Tigers to three straight Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament titles from 2021-23. During his time at LSU from 2012-17, Jones went 90-72 and made the NCAA Tournament in 2015.

  • Jones has been the head coach at Texas Southern since the 2018-19 season.
  • Jones led Texas Southern to 3 straight SWAC Tournament titles from 2021-23.
  • Jones was the head coach at LSU from 2012-17.

The players

Johnny Jones

The former head coach of Texas Southern, who is now resigning to join the coaching staff at LSU under Will Wade.

Will Wade

The new head coach at LSU, who is bringing in Johnny Jones to join his coaching staff.

Texas Southern

The college basketball program that Johnny Jones has been the head coach of since 2018-19.

LSU

The college basketball program that Johnny Jones previously served as head coach of from 2012-2017, and is now returning to as an assistant under Will Wade.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The details of Jones' new role on Wade's LSU staff have not yet been announced.

The takeaway

Johnny Jones' departure from Texas Southern represents a significant coaching change for both the Tigers and LSU, as he returns to Baton Rouge to reunite with his former colleague Will Wade.