Potential candidates to replace Willie Fritz at Tulane

Now that it’s official that Willie Fritz is leaving Tulane for the University of Houston, who will newly-named athletic director David Harris tab to replace Fritz?

Will he look for someone with Tulane or in-state connections? That hasn’t been a requisite in the past. The last hire with any ties to the state was Chris Scelfo a quarter-century ago, and even that was controversial with a great in-house candidate spurned in Rich Rodriguez.

But if you’re looking for ties back to the area, here are a handful of names to consider who are currently coaching outside the area.

Major Applewhite

Current position: South Alabama offensive coordinator

Ties to Tulane/Louisiana: Like Harris, a Baton Rouge native; played at Catholic High, then went on to Texas, where he played for former Tulane coach Mack Brown

Why he’s a good candidate: Extensive offensive experience and has been a head coach previously – ironically, for two years at Houston.

Alex Atkins

Current position: Florida State offensive coordinator

Ties to Tulane/Louisiana: Assistant at Tulane from 2016-18 on Fritz’s staff

Why he’s a good candidate: FSU is coming off a 13-0 season and ACC championship following Saturday night’s victory over Louisville. With FSU being left out of the College Football Playoff, this becomes a more viable and immediate option.

Pete Golding

Current position: Ole Miss defensive coordinator

Ties to Tulane/Louisiana: Hammond native who has been an assistant at Southeastern Louisiana

Why he’s a good candidate: Has risen quickly through the ranks as a DC, serving five years at Alabama before going to Oxford this year.

David Johnson

Current position: Florida State running backs coach

Ties to Tulane/Louisiana: New Orleans native; assistant at Tulane from 2012-15 under Fritz and Curtis Johnson; St. Augustine head coach 2009-11; assistant at John F. Kennedy and O. Perry Walker

Why he’s a good candidate: See Atkins above and add in even more experience locally

Jon Sumrall

Current position: Troy head coach

Ties to Tulane/Louisiana: Assistant at Tulane from 2012-14 on Johnson’s staff

Why he’s a good candidate: Has led Troy to back-to-back Sun Belt Conference titles, wrapping up his second championship in a row Saturday with a title-game win over Appalachian State.

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