Texas Southern Hires Heishma Northern As Defensive Coordinator

Less than a month after being fired as Prairie View head coach, Heishma Northern has found another job.

On Saturday, Texas Southern head coach Darrell Asberry hired Northern as his defensive coordinator.

Northern will replace Mike Vite who was not retained after two seasons.

Texas Southern ranked No. 3 in the SWAC in scoring defense, No. 2 in total defense, No. in pass defense and No. 3 in run defense this past season.  Northern spent six seasons as Prairie View’s defensive coordinator. During his tenure as defensive coordinator, Northern produced several All-Americans and fielded a nationally ranked defensive unit.

In four years at Prairie View, Northern complied a 19-25 record, including going 5-5 in 2014. He was fired on Nov. 17.

In addition to Northern, Asberry also grabbed Mark Orlando — the offensive coordinator at Prairie View under Northern — to take over the play calling duties.

“I was calling all of my plays, and I’m just going to ahead and allow him to take over,” Asberry said. “These are great moves for the program. It brings a different twist.”