Tulane athletic director David Harris released a stern statement on Saturday following a demoralizing 60-10 loss to Tulsa at Yulman Stadium. The lopsided result during homecoming weekend left the program facing intense scrutiny as the Green Wave fell to 4-5 on the season.
In the official response, Harris did not mince words regarding the quality of the team’s play. He explicitly noted that the “performance by our football program was unacceptable, and far below the standard that we have come to expect in recent years.” The athletic director acknowledged the frustration felt by the university community and accepted a measure of personal accountability for the state of the athletics department.
The defeat marked a significant low point for the team, which struggled to compete against a Tulsa squad that had entered the matchup with a losing record. The 50-point margin of defeat stands as the largest for Tulane in American Athletic Conference play. Harris emphasized that the “defeat was particularly alarming given the point differential” and stated that the effort displayed on the field was not reflective of the discipline or sacrifice expected from the football program.
As the Green Wave looks toward the remainder of the schedule, the pressure on head coach Will Hall has intensified. Harris stressed the need for an immediate response, noting that with at least three games left in the season, the department’s “responsibility is to respond with urgency.” The athletic director indicated that staff and players must thoroughly evaluate the performance to show meaningful improvement in the coming weeks.
Tulane will attempt to move past this setback when they travel to face Rice on November 14. Despite the disappointment of the homecoming loss, Harris affirmed that the administration remains focused on preparing for the next opportunity and finishing the season with a stronger competitive showing.