Tulsa Set to Part Ways with Kevin Wilson After Another Crushing Defeat
It looks like the Kevin Wilson era at Tulsa is coming to an end. According to sources who spoke with ESPN on Sunday, the Golden Hurricane is expected to fire Wilson after just two seasons at the helm. The decision comes on the heels of a brutal 63-30 loss to USF on Saturday, a game that seemed to seal his fate.
Wilson’s record at Tulsa stands at 7-16, a mark that has left fans and administrators alike frustrated. But it’s not just the losses—it’s the way the team has been losing. Over the course of his two seasons, Wilson’s squads have suffered nine defeats by more than 30 points. That’s a staggering statistic and one that speaks volumes about the struggles the program has faced under his leadership.
Why Tulsa is Moving On
Sources told ESPN that the decision to part ways with Wilson wasn’t just about the win-loss record. It was also about the culture within the program. With a new administration in place, there was a sense that the environment surrounding the team wasn’t conducive to the kind of turnaround the school was hoping for. Simply put, the powers that be didn’t see a path forward with Wilson at the helm.
“Results and culture” were the two key factors cited by sources. And with those two elements not meeting expectations, Tulsa officials are ready to hit the reset button. The school is reportedly planning a “fresh start,” one that will include a significant increase in its commitment to football. That means more financial resources aimed at helping the program compete at a championship level in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
A Trend in the AAC
Wilson’s firing adds to what has been a season of upheaval in the AAC. Tulsa now becomes the sixth school in the conference with an open head coaching position, joining Charlotte, Rice, Temple, East Carolina, and FAU. What’s particularly notable is that Tulsa, Charlotte, and FAU all made the decision to fire their coaches before the end of their second seasons. This could be a sign that the leash for coaches at the Group of 5 level is getting shorter and shorter.
For Wilson, this marks the end of his second stint as a head coach. Before taking over at Tulsa, he spent six seasons as the head coach at Indiana, where he compiled a 26-47 record and led the Hoosiers to two bowl appearances. While his time at Indiana had its ups and downs, his tenure at Tulsa has been marked by consistent struggles, both on and off the field.
What’s Next for Tulsa?
As Tulsa begins its search for a new head coach, the focus will undoubtedly be on finding someone who can not only deliver better results but also foster a positive culture within the program. With the school planning to increase its investment in football, the next coach will have resources that Wilson may not have had during his tenure. That could make the job more attractive to potential candidates.
Here’s a quick recap of the key points surrounding Wilson’s firing:
- Wilson’s record at Tulsa: 7-16 over two seasons.
- Nine losses by more than 30 points during his tenure.
- Decision driven by both results and culture, according to sources.
- Tulsa plans to increase its financial commitment to football moving forward.
- Six AAC schools now have open head coaching positions.
For Tulsa fans, the hope is that this fresh start will lead to brighter days ahead. The program has a proud history and a passionate fan base, and there’s no doubt that the right coach could help restore the Golden Hurricane to prominence in the AAC. But for now, the focus will be on finding that coach and laying the groundwork for a new era of Tulsa football.
As for Kevin Wilson, his future in coaching remains uncertain. While his time at Tulsa didn’t go as planned, his experience and knowledge of the game could make him a valuable asset to another program, whether as a head coach or in a different role. Only time will tell what’s next for him.
One thing is clear: change is coming to Tulsa, and fans will be watching closely to see what the future holds for their beloved Golden Hurricane.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
