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The University of Tulsa is making a change. TU has fired head football coach Philip Montgomery after 8 seasons.
"This was an extremely difficult decision, one that affects a number of individuals and is never easy for anyone involved," said TU Vice President and Athletic Director Rick Dickson in a statement Sunday. "Philip’s dedication to our student-athletes is unquestioned and we thank him for his tireless efforts in leading our young men. He has represented TU with class and character. We appreciate Philip’s commitment to The University of Tulsa, our football program and the Tulsa community."
Montgomery led his teams to four bowl games, became the first coach to post wins over top-20 teams in the same season (2020) and the first Tulsa coach with two NFL first round draft picks. In 2016, Montgomery had his best season, leading Tulsa to a 10-3 record and a Miami Beach Bowl victory. He led the Hurricane to the 2020 American Athletic Conference Championship game.
"I'm certainly disappointed that I won't have the opportunity to continue leading this program. For the past eight years, I've given the University of Tulsa, our players, and staff everything I have. I'm proud of the way we locked arms and battled through adversity at every turn," said Montgomery. "Ashli and I will forever be grateful for the relationships and memories created at Tulsa. Our son played here, our daughter cheered here, and I'll always consider those times a blessing. I'm most thankful for the players and staff, past and present, who believed in our vision and gave their all for the team. They mean the world to me, and I'll always be here for them."
Montgomery became the 29th head coach in TU history on Dec. 11, 2014.
The Golden Hurricane finished 5-7 this season. Montgomery was 43-53 over 8 seasons.
"On behalf of the Trustees, I thank Philip for his commitment to TU," said Brad Carson, university president. "He and his coaching staff have built a program centered on the student-athlete, both athletically and academically. TU remains committed to those student-athletes through this transition."
The University of Tulsa will begin an immediate national search and have no further public comment until the announcement of the next Golden Hurricane head football coach.