Svoboda departing Tulane after one season as OC

Tulane coach Willie Fritz announced Friday that offensive coordinator Jim Svoboda is leaving the program to return nearer his home.

“After much thought, I have decided pursue job opportunities closer my family and Midwest roots,” Svoboda said. “The past year at Tulane has been an incredible experience and I will be eternally grateful for being a part of such a historic season of Green Wave football. I want to thank Coach Fritz for affording me the opportunity to be a part of his outstanding football program. To the players, I feel blessed to have coached such a classy and spirited group of young men.”

Friday’s announcement falls in line with a report earlier this month from ESPN’s Pete Thamel that tight ends coach Slade Nagle would be promoted to offensive coordinator.

Sources: Tulane has promoted TE coach Slade Nagle to offensive coordinator. Nagle was the defacto play caller for the 2022 season for the Green Wave, which won the AAC and beat USC in the Cotton Bowl.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 6, 2023

Under Svoboda last season, Tulane led the American Athletic Conference in pass efficiency (160.49), passing yards per attempt (8.7), fewest interceptions (five), red zone touchdowns (48) and boasted the conference’s top two receivers (Duece Watts, 19.91; Shae Wyatt, 19.77) in yards per catch. Additionally, Tulane set school single-season records for total offense (6,180 yards), first downs (303) and fewest interceptions.

Svoboda was named offensive coordinator last January after spending 11 seasons as head coach at Central Missouri.