Former Houston Oilers player Cris Dishman named new Texas Southern University head football coach

HOUSTON – Houston is welcoming former Oiler Cris Dishman back to the Bayou City as the new head football coach for Texas Southern University.

A two-time NFL Pro-Bowl selection, Dishman comes to TSU after 13 successful years in the NFL and 19 years of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional levels. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Purdue University, he was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1988. Dishman spent eight years with the Oilers, two years with the Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs, his final season with the Minnesota Vikings.

Dishman comes to TSU after spending the last two seasons as defensive coordinator of the XFL’s Las Vegas Vipers. Before joining the Vipers, he spent the 2022 season as the defensive coordinator for the United States Football League’s New Jersey Generals. During his lone season with the Generals, the team boasted the top rushing defense in the USFL. His team also ranked second in rushing defense and interceptions, and third in scoring defense, TSU’s website said.

“Cris Dishman is an experienced football coach whose accomplishments as a player and coach make him an excellent choice to lead our football program into the future,” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Kevin Granger. “Even more important, he is a man of character who, in his own words, ‘seeks to make his players into better brothers, fathers, and husbands.’ I appreciate the Board of Regents’ bold, strategic approach to finding new opportunities to elevate Texas Southern University. I look forward to working with Coach Dishman to bring new levels of success to TSU Football.”

“I want everyone in Tigerland to know that we’re going to put together a good team, a good staff, and everyone has to do their job and be all in for TSU football,” Dishman said.

Dishman and his wife Jennifer have four adult children.