The Tulane head coaching position is a coveted role in the Group of 5, thanks to the remarkable legacy left by Willie Fritz. While his initial six seasons in New Orleans were solid, it wasn’t until 2022 that the Green Wave truly exploded onto the national scene, going 12-2, defeating USC in the Cotton Bowl, and finishing the season ranked No. 9 in the country. The following year, they continued their dominance with an 11-2 record before Fritz’s departure for Houston. But here’s where it gets intriguing: after Fritz, Jon Sumrall stepped in and delivered an impressive 19-7 record, positioning the team for a potential College Football Playoff berth this Friday with a win in the American championship. However, Sumrall’s recent move to Florida has left Tulane searching for its next leader. And this is the part most people miss—the vacancy has already attracted a mix of proven mid-major head coaches and top-tier assistants, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
Among the contenders, LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker stands out as a strong candidate. At 43, Baker is a former Tulane linebacker with deep ties to the program. His return to LSU as defensive coordinator last year sparked a dramatic turnaround for a struggling unit, building on his stellar work as Missouri’s DC. While new LSU coach Lane Kiffin is eager to retain him, the allure of leading his alma mater could be irresistible. But here’s the controversial part: would Tulane be willing to outbid LSU to secure Baker’s services? It’s a question that could divide opinions among fans and analysts alike.
Another coordinator with local ties is Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. Last season, his offense led the nation in yards per play, and he played a pivotal role in transforming Cam Ward from a projected fifth-round pick into the No. 1 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. At 48, Dawson’s four-year stint at Houston before joining Miami has solidified his reputation as an offensive mastermind. And this is the part most people miss: his ability to develop talent could be exactly what Tulane needs to maintain its recent success.
Oregon co-defensive coordinator Chris Hampton is another name to watch. At 39, Hampton was instrumental in Fritz’s turnaround at Tulane, serving as defensive backs coach for four seasons before a brief stint at Duke. Now, under Dan Lanning in Eugene, he’s continued to impress. If Tosh Lupoi lands a head coaching job this winter, Hampton could step into the Ducks’ DC role—or he might just take the reins at Tulane. But here’s where it gets controversial: would Hampton prioritize stability at Oregon or the opportunity to lead a program with recent playoff aspirations?
Tulane is also eyeing a trio of mid-major head coaches who’ve made waves in their respective roles. Southern Miss’ Charles Huff, 42, has revitalized a once-struggling program, going 7-5 in his debut season after the team had won just four games in the previous two years. His success at Marshall, where he won the Sun Belt championship, further bolsters his case. FIU’s Willie Simmons, 45, has similarly made a quick impact, leading the Panthers to their first winning season since 2018. With a career record of 73-29, including a 12-1 season at FAMU in 2023, Simmons has proven he can turn programs around. Western Kentucky’s Tyson Helton, 48, has been a model of consistency in Conference USA, posting five consecutive winning seasons and a 56-36 overall record. His ability to sustain success makes him a compelling option.
Finally, there’s the wild-card candidate, former Florida coach Billy Napier. At 46, Napier’s tenure at Louisiana was stellar (40-12), but his time at Florida (22-23) was marked by struggles. Could a return to a mid-major program like Tulane reignite his career? This is the part that sparks debate: is Napier a proven winner worth another chance, or is his Florida stint a red flag? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As Tulane searches for its next leader, one thing is clear: the program’s recent success has made this a highly attractive opportunity. Who will step up to continue the Green Wave’s momentum? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—this coaching search is far from over, and the drama is just beginning.
