Kinne signs contract extension through 2028

Head Coach G.J. Kinne signed a new five year contract extension through the 2028 season to make the first year head coach one of the highest paid coaches in the Sun Belt Conference.

Kinne was hired during the 2022 off-season where he helped lead the Bobcats to their first ever bowl game and first winning season since 2014.

“I appreciate President Damphousse and Don Coryell for their commitment and trust in not only me, but in our entire staff, student-athletes and program,” said Kinne. “It was just over a year ago where the three of us shared our aligned vision for Texas State football, and we have been able to achieve some of those things we discussed. We’re proud of the team reaching a bowl game and excited for all of Bobcat Nation to celebrate this great moment for our program in Dallas next week, but we believe we can win championships at Texas State. Our goal is to continue to take this program to new heights and build on this year’s success.”

The debut of Kinne at Texas State started off with a bang as the Bobcats stunned the Baylor Bears in the season opener for the program’s first ever win over a member of Power Five Conference.

Texas State soon became known for their high pow- ered offense averaging 36 points per game making the Bobcats 10th in the nation in total offense.

Upon the hiring of Kinne under the coordination of Texas State President Kelly Damphousse and Texas State Director of Athletics Don Coryell, the duo knew that Kinne was the person to lead the Bobcats into the direction they are now facing.

“Since day one of Coach Kinne leading our football program, it was apparent he was the right guy for the job,” Coryell said. “We’ve been impressed with his leadership and ability to quickly establish a culture that elevates the experience of our student-athletes. From bringing in our best newcomer class ever to making our first bowl game to him earning attention from national awards, Coach Kinne has achieved a good amount in year one and this contract extension represents our belief in him to take us to the top of the Sun Belt Conference and beyond.”

With Texas State building several facilities to help their athletic programs including a new football performance center, the on the field results were needed in order to help booster the program.

“Don Coryell and I share high aspirations for athletics in general and football in particular,” Damphousse said. “We know that investing in facilities like the Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center and the proposed practice facility was only half the solution. Investing in our personnel at a competitive level is just as vital. Coach Kinne has recruited student- athletes to not just build a team for today, but a program for tomorrow. His new contract and extension bring the stability we all need to continue building our football program as we seek to contend for conference championships and a spot in future College Football Playoffs. I’m excited to watch him and his staff continue to Take Back Texas!”

Texas State will take on Rice in the First Responders Bowl December 26 in the program’s first ever bowl game.

Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. at Gerald R. Ford Stadium in Dallas.