The Tulane Green Wave interviewed a multitude of candidates, but when the coaching search was complete, the team didn’t go beyond the walls of their facilities.
Tulane hired Will Hall as its 2026 head coach.
Hall served as the passing game coordinator for the 2025 season and previously operated as the program’s offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020, leading the 32nd and 22nd ranked scoring offenses during those seasons.
“We are thrilled to select Will Hall to be our head coach,” Tulane athletic director David Harris issued in a statement. “His character, integrity, and leadership qualities are evident both on and off the field. With extensive head coaching experience and a proven track record of success at every level, Will embodies the qualities we value in our program. We believe he is the right person to lead Tulane Football into its next chapter.”
In between his Tulane stints, Hall earned his first FBS head coaching opportunity at Southern Miss, residing in Hattiesburg, MS from 2021 through half of the 2024 campaign. Hall posted a 14-30 record with the Golden Eagles with a peak of 7-6 in 2022, which featured a LendingTree Bowl victory over Rice. He also posted two 3-9 seasons and a 1-6 campaign before his firing in 2024.
The 45-year old Mississippi native’s other FBS stops include Louisiana (2017) and Memphis (2018), where he served as the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, respectively.
Hall replaces Jon Sumrall, who remains the head coach at Tulane for the remainder of the 2025 season. Three days before Hall’s hiring, Sumrall led the Green Wave to their second American Conference championship, defeating North Texas 34-21 in New Orleans to clinch the College Football Playoff. Sumrall, who is currently employed by Florida, will coach Tulane in its upcoming Dec. 20 first round playoff game at Ole Miss — remaining with the team until its playoff run concludes.
Hall takes on the loftiest expectations in program history, inheriting a team fresh off the CFP. Tulane qualified for the American Conference title game in four-straight years and owns a record of 43-12 over that stretch, faring 29-3 in conference play since 2022. The Green Wave will, in all likelihood, finish ranked for the second time in during in four years this January — after earning a No. 9 ranking to end 2022.
“I’m truly honored to accept this opportunity to serve as Tulane’s head football coach,” Hall said in a statement. “Tulane has been a special place for me. I’ve felt the unique spirit of Tulane and the strength of its culture. I’m excited to lead this program with a deep respect for its history, its people, and the city of New Orleans. Together, we’ll build on our success and continue to embody the resilience, pride, and excellence that make Tulane and this community so extraordinary.”
