Texas State is making moves-and they’re not subtle. As the Bobcats gear up for their first season in the Pac-12, head coach GJ Kinne is clearly reshaping his staff with purpose. On Sunday, the program added three new assistants: Joe Jon Finley and John Roberts on the offensive side, and Kyle Skierski on defense.
Let’s start with Finley. The former NFL tight end brings more than just playing experience-he’s got a strong coaching pedigree.
He spent the last five seasons at Oklahoma, where he served as co-offensive coordinator and most recently handled tight ends. That’s a big-time Power Five résumé, and his addition signals a serious commitment to elevating the offensive operation in San Marcos.
Whether he’s helping scheme the passing game or developing tight ends into true mismatches, Finley’s presence should be felt quickly.
Roberts, meanwhile, comes in after serving as co-offensive coordinator at Long Island University. He’ll also take on the role of game management coordinator-a title that might not grab headlines but can be pivotal in close contests.
Think clock control, timeout usage, situational awareness. These are the margins that often decide games, especially in a conference as competitive as the Pac-12.
On the defensive side, Skierski joins the staff after coaching tight ends at South Alabama. That might seem like a curious transition on paper, but Skierski has a versatile coaching background and is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the defensive unit. His move comes as part of a broader defensive overhaul that already saw the additions of coordinator Will Windham, secondary coach Marcus Patton, and D-line coach Chris Gistorb.
This isn’t just a staff reshuffle-it’s a strategic recalibration. After a tough loss to Louisiana last season, Kinne made it clear that everything would be evaluated. True to his word, he’s followed through with significant personnel changes on both sides of the ball.
And now, the countdown begins. Texas State just dropped its full 2026 schedule, and it’s a doozy.
The Bobcats open the season on the road against the Texas Longhorns at Royal-Memorial Stadium-a high-profile test right out of the gate. From there, they return home for a trio of nonconference matchups against UTSA, North Texas, and Incarnate Word.
Then, it’s into the Pac-12 fray.
The message is clear: Texas State isn’t just joining a new conference-they’re aiming to compete. With a retooled coaching staff and a fresh slate ahead, the Bobcats are setting the stage for what could be a defining season in program history.