A native of Pittsburg, Texas and graduate of Texas College (1935), Alexander Durley became the second head football coach and athletics director at Texas Southern University in 1949.The Tigers of TSU with Coach Durley at the helm competed in the Mid-Western Athletic Conference (1951-1955) where they established themselves as a collegiate football power.

A year after being admitted to the MWAC the Tigers compiled a 10-0-1 record. This undefeated team was led by All-American quarterback Audrey Ford and halfback Edward Smith. Ford and Smith were the squad leaders as the former passed for 21 touchdowns while the latter ran for 1,087 yards. This team defeated Grambling State 46-14, Alcorn State 19-9, Jackson State 20-6 and Bishop College 85-0. The Tigers claimed the National Negro Championship after defeating Prairie View 13-12 in the annual Prairie View Bowl. Texas Southern joined the SWAC in 1956 and earned a co- championship with Wiley College (Marshall, Texas).

The Tigers of TSU posted a 16-year record of 101-55-7 with Coach Durley at the helm. The Pittsburg, TX native was always active in the community affairs and professional organizations. Big Brothers Organization, Houston Business and Professional Mens Club and UMCA were three of several such community groups. The Alexander Durley Sports Complex located on the Texas Southern University campus is a permanent reminder of the man whose name it bears.