November 19th, 2024 8:00pm
Kingsville - Head Coach Michael Salinas was announced as the newest Athletic Director of Texas A&M-Kingsville athletics on Tuesday.
"Coach Salinas has demonstrated a singular commitment to competitive excellence and student success inside the classroom, while honoring the tremendous legacy and tradition associated with Javelina Athletics," said University President Dr. Robert Vela. "He is a leader of the highest integrity, and I am confident that, just as he transformed our football program, he will elevate Javelina Athletics to the next level."
Salinas served as Interim Athletic Director after former Athletic Director Steve Roach transitioned to Elon University. Salinas will step down as the Head Coach of the Javelinas football program, Defensive Coordinator Jamison Bisch will step in as Interim Head Coach effective immediately.
"I want to thank Dr. Vela for the opportunity to be able to lead the athletic program here," said Salinas. "I look forward to the opportunity to serve our coaches and student athletes at Texas A&M-Kingsville."
Salinas was hired in 2019 as head football coach and instantly made a lasting impact on the Javelina football program. Compiling a 26-19 record in his six seasons with the Javelinas, Salinas has coached numerous all-conference players, including 2022 AFCA-first team All American Amos Coleman. Salinas also has had three-straight seven-win seasons, a feat that had not been achieved at Texas A&M-Kingsville since the 2004 season.
Before his coaching career started, Salinas was a three-year letterwinner for the Javelina football program from 1995 to 1999. He was part of three LSC Championship and two West Region Championship teams under Ron Harms.
Coach Bisch came to Texas A&M-Kingsville in 2023 by way of Eastern New Mexico University. Since his arrival, the Javelinas have had one of the top defenses in the Lone Star Conference. Leading the conference in rushing defense in 2023 and finishing second in that statistic in the 2024 season.
Parker Executive Search and Texas A&M-Kingsville will begin a national search for the next Javelina Football head coach. Salinas will begin his tenure as Executive Director of Athlteics effective immediately.