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Another change at the top of American Conference power ratings

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 18:52 GMT by NOLA.com

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Tulane’s Coaching Shuffle and the Ripple Effect on Conference Power Rankings

The Tulane Green Wave’s coaching carousel has grown even more dramatic this season, leaving fans, players, and the wider NCAA Division I landscape scrambling to understand the implications. A recent piece published by NOLA.com lays out the latest upheaval at Tulane, and it’s clear that the ripple effect extends far beyond a single university’s football program. The article—originally titled “Another change at top of American Conference power ratings”—delves into the reasons behind Tulane’s latest hiring decision, the potential impact on the American Athletic Conference (AAC), and the shifting dynamics within the national college football power rankings.

1. The Immediate Aftermath of Tulane’s Coaching Turnover

Tulane’s head‑coach position saw a swift change when the university announced the dismissal of the current coach and the subsequent appointment of a new head coach. The decision was framed as a “necessary step” to elevate the program to national prominence, but the article argues that the timing and manner of the decision reflect deeper structural issues within the athletic department.

According to the NOLA.com piece, the previous coach had posted a series of underwhelming seasons, and the university’s leadership concluded that a new vision was required to regain competitive footing. The new coach, who had previously demonstrated success at the collegiate level, is expected to bring a fresh recruiting pipeline, a revamped offensive scheme, and a stronger emphasis on player development.

2. How Tulane Fits Into the AAC Power Structure

Tulane’s coaching change is not simply a local story; it has implications for the entire AAC. Historically, Tulane has oscillated between mid‑tier performance and occasional national relevance. The article compares the program’s current trajectory to that of other AAC teams like UCF, Memphis, and SMU, who have either maintained steady growth or stumbled under leadership turmoil.

The piece notes that Tulane’s new coach has ties to programs that have recently cracked the top 25 national rankings. With these connections, there is speculation that Tulane may secure higher-profile recruits and potentially upset established powerhouses in the conference. Moreover, the article highlights that the AAC is already in flux, with teams like Houston and SMU undergoing their own coaching changes. Thus, Tulane’s fresh leadership could serve as a catalyst for further realignment within the conference.

3. Power Rankings: A Shifting Landscape

A significant portion of the article examines how Tulane’s coaching shake‑up influences the national power rankings. The writer cites data from several respected ranking systems—such as the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee, the AP poll, and the Sagarin ratings—to illustrate how early season performance can propel a mid‑tier program into the national conversation.

The article discusses a recent poll where Tulane moved up five spots, partly attributed to a strong preseason schedule and a projected improvement in offensive efficiency. It also points out that the new coach’s emphasis on a spread offense could catch other teams off guard, especially those whose defensive schemes have traditionally struggled against fast-paced attacks. Consequently, the piece speculates that Tulane could become a “dark horse” candidate for a bowl game, should the program execute on its new strategy.

4. Recruitment and Player Development

A pivotal aspect of the coaching change is its effect on recruitment. Tulane’s new head coach has a reputation for turning raw talent into high‑performing athletes. The article delves into the potential impact on high school prospects, especially those from the South and Midwest—regions traditionally underrepresented in AAC recruiting.

Furthermore, the piece includes insights from former players who praise the incoming coach’s player‑centric approach. “He’s known for getting out of the locker room and into the training rooms with people, not just telling them how to play,” an alumnus quoted in the article recalls. The writer argues that this focus on holistic development—both athletic and academic—could translate into a more stable roster and fewer transfer-related disruptions.

5. The Role of Administration and Board Oversight

Beyond coaching, the article also scrutinizes Tulane’s administrative oversight. It points out that the athletic director’s decision to hire the new coach followed a series of budgetary constraints, a shift in the university’s strategic priorities, and pressure from alumni. A comparison with other universities that have faced similar situations reveals that transparent governance and clear communication can mitigate the negative fallout often seen after high‑profile coaching changes.

The piece also cites a recent meeting of the university’s athletic board, where concerns were raised about the program’s public relations image, recruiting ethics, and compliance with NCAA regulations. By tackling these challenges head‑on, the administration hopes to protect the university’s reputation and maintain eligibility for national competitions.

6. Future Projections and Fan Expectations

The article concludes by projecting the program’s trajectory over the next five seasons. By analyzing the new coach’s track record, the current recruiting class, and the competitive landscape of the AAC, the author posits that Tulane could realistically contend for the conference title by 2028. Fans are already showing excitement, as the piece includes social media reactions, with many calling the change a “turning point” for the Green Wave.

In addition, the article notes that a strong performance at Tulane could have downstream effects on the AAC’s standing within the College Football Playoff selection committee. A higher finish for Tulane would not only elevate the conference’s prestige but could also attract better television deals and increased sponsorship opportunities for all member schools.

7. Related Stories and Additional Context

The NOLA.com article weaves in references to several other news pieces for a broader context:

• “Tulane’s New Coach: A Profile of Vision and Strategy” – detailing the coach’s previous achievements and philosophy.
• “AAC Power Rankings: Who’s Climbing and Who’s Declining?” – an analysis of the conference’s overall ranking shifts.
• “Recruitment Trends in the South: What Tulane’s Approach Means for Future Talent” – a look at regional recruiting dynamics.

These linked stories provide additional layers of information, from a deeper dive into coaching philosophy to a broader view of conference dynamics, enhancing the reader’s understanding of how Tulane’s internal decisions reverberate across college football’s national stage.

In summary, the NOLA.com article paints a comprehensive picture of Tulane’s coaching transition, situating it within the larger ecosystem of the AAC and national power rankings. The piece highlights how leadership, recruitment, administration, and fan expectations intersect to shape the program’s future, offering a nuanced lens through which to view the evolving narrative of college football.