Rodney Kirschner enters his 16th year with Southern University Athletics and continues to play an integral role in the department’s daily operations, strategic initiatives and continued pursuit of excellence. Promoted to Deputy Athletic Director in June 2022, Kirschner brings a diverse background in athletic administration, strategic communications, sports information and coaching, along with a proven commitment to developing successful programs and elevating the student-athlete experience.
In his role as Deputy Athletic Director, Kirschner oversees the daily operations of Southern’s athletic department and serves as the sport administrator for football, women’s basketball, men’s basketball, bowling and baseball. He works closely with head coaches and their staffs to support program development, competitive success and the overall student-athlete experience. His administrative portfolio also includes oversight of strength and conditioning, athletic facilities, equipment and apparel, ensuring that Southern’s coaches and student-athletes have the resources and support necessary to compete at the highest level.
Kirschner also plays a key role in the department’s long-term planning and operational management, including football and men’s basketball scheduling and game day operations. A member of both the Executive and Senior Staffs, he previously served as Southern’s Senior Associate Athletic Director and continues to contribute to the strategic direction and advancement of Jaguar Athletics.
In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Kirschner serves as Director of Strategic Communications and Sports Information Director, helping shape the department’s public presence, brand identity and connection with Jaguar Nation. He has overseen two website relaunches and, alongside Willie Scott, played an instrumental role in establishing the Jaguar Sports Network. The initiative expanded opportunities for alumni, supporters and fans across the country to follow Southern’s athletic programs through live broadcasts and coverage, strengthening the connection between the university and its supporters.
His commitment to the profession extends beyond the Bluff. Kirschner recently served as President of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Sports Information Directors, a position to which he was elected by his peers. He also serves on the SWAC Hall of Fame Committee. He maintains professional memberships with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA), the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and College Sports Communicators (CSC).
Known throughout the department as “Coach K,” Kirschner has built a reputation for his tireless work ethic, attention to detail and willingness to take on responsibilities wherever needed. His career at Southern reflects a commitment to serving the university in multiple capacities, from coaching and program administration to department-wide leadership and communications.
Before his promotion to Deputy Athletic Director, Kirschner served as Southern’s Assistant Athletic Director from 2014 to 2017 while also working as an assistant men’s basketball coach from 2011 to 2017. During that period, he was a key contributor to the program’s turnaround and sustained success, helping establish a foundation for championship competition and postseason appearances.
Prior to Kirschner’s arrival, Southern’s men’s basketball program had recorded a 17-74 overall record over three seasons, including the three worst seasons in program history, and held an RPI ranking of 340. During his first season, despite APR sanctions that included scholarship and practice-time reductions, the Jaguars made one of the most significant turnarounds in Division I basketball. Southern finished 17-14 overall and second in the SWAC regular-season standings, improved its RPI ranking to 280 and posted a 9-2 record at home during the 2011-12 season.
Over the next six seasons, Kirschner helped the Jaguars compile a 114-85 overall record and a 77-31 mark in SWAC play. Southern captured SWAC Tournament championships in 2013 and 2016, earning NCAA Tournament berths in both seasons. The program also claimed the 2014 SWAC regular-season championship and finished as the 2015 SWACTournament runner-up.
His responsibilities extended well beyond the court. Kirschner managed day-to-day basketball operations and coordinated a wide range of administrative functions, including academics, team travel, equipment and apparel, practice planning, game scheduling, scouting, film and video breakdown, film exchange, housing coordination, community outreach, budgeting and compliance-related matters. He also coordinated the program’s annual awards banquet and served as camp director, gaining valuable experience across nearly every aspect of collegiate basketball operations.
Before joining Southern University, Kirschner spent six seasons working at two Southland Conference institutions. He served three seasons as Director of Video Operations at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, followed by three seasons as Video Coordinator at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.
Prior to entering collegiate athletics, Kirschner served as Associate Head Coach at Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge. During his two seasons with the Panthers, he helped guide the program to a 64-14 record, a district championship and a runner-up finish in the 2006 Louisiana Class 5A state championship.
These experiences helped shape Kirschner’s approach to athletics administration, combining a coach’s understanding of team development and preparation with an administrator’s focus on organization, accountability and the resources required to build sustainable success.
Kirschner began his collegiate playing career at Pratt Community College before transferring to Kansas Wesleyan University. At Kansas Wesleyan, he earned three letters as a member of the men’s basketball team and was part of the 2002 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Men’s Basketball Tournament runner-up team. He also earned two letters as a member of the university’s football program.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 2008.
A native of Horton, Kansas, Kirschner played for his father, Rod “Rocket” Kirschner, at Horton High School and Nickerson High School. His high school career was marked by prolific scoring and numerous individual honors.
At Horton, he scored more than 1,300 career points in three seasons with the Chargers, including a career-high 41-point performance against McLouth. During his senior season at Nickerson, he tied the school’s single-game scoring record with 48 points against Council Grove and finished his high school career with more than 1,980 points. He scored at least 30 points in a game 41 times and was a three-time Kansas All-State selection, earning First Team All-State honors as a senior.
Kirschner is married to the former Courtney Tegtman of Stamford, Nebraska. The couple resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with their three dogs, Lincoln, Lexington and Jim.
