Former Edinburg Vela and Weslaco High head coach Michael Salinas was announced as the next head football coach at Texas A&M University-Kingsville on Friday, according to a news release.
Salinas is an alum of Edinburg High School and returns to his alma mater at TAMUK to take over the the Javelinas’ football program where he played from 1995-1999 before graduating in 2000.
“Texas A&M University-Kingsville is a special place with a tradition-rich football program,” Salinas said in a news release. “It is a great honor and privilege to have the opportunity to return to Kingsville and lead the Javelina football program. I am especially grateful to President Hussey, Steve Roach, and the entire Javelina family for this tremendous opportunity, and their support and belief in me.
“Our staff and I will work tirelessly to recruit and build champions on and off the field. I look forward to meeting our student-athletes and connecting with former players to help advance our football program, and I’m excited to get to work and hit the ground running. Texas A&M-Kingsville and the Javelina program mean a great deal to me, and my wife and my family are excited to join the Kingsville community and be a part of Javelina Nation.”
Salinas was Edinburg Vela’s first head coach from 2012 through 2016 before taking over as Weslaco High’s head coach during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
“It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce Mike Salinas as the next Head Football Coach at Texas A&M University-Kingsville,” said TAMUK Executive Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Steve Roach. “Mike is a proven winner at every level where he has played and coached. He brings a wide array of experiences, including a great understanding and knowledge of the state of Texas, and those experiences will prove to be valuable assets as he works to return this program to both regional and national prominence.”
An introductory press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, January 6 in Kingsville.