Over the past 11 years, multiple coaches for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane have been known as offensive innovators.
Steve Kragthorpe, Todd Graham, Gus Malzahn and Chad Morris all served head coaches or offensive coordinators within that time frame. Those names are among the most brilliant offensive minds in college football.
Tulsa is prepared to add another one as its next head coach.
The university announced Thursday that Baylor offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery will replace Bill Blankenship, who was fired on Dec. 1, and take over the Golden Hurricane program.
“We are extremely pleased to have Philip Montgomery as our head football coach,” Tulsa athletic director Derrick Gragg said in statement. “Coach Montgomery has outstanding background as a collegiate coach and recruiter. He is one of the bright offensive minds in college football and has coordinated explosive offenses at both Houston and Baylor.”
Montgomery spent the last seven seasons in Waco, Texas, as Baylor’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach calling plays for the nation’s most explosive offense. The Bears led college football in total offense each of the last two seasons. In 2013, Montgomery was named a finalist for the Broyles Awards as the nation’s top assistant coach.
Montgomery’s relationship with Baylor head coach Art Briles extended to Stephenville High School (Texas) where they combined to win two state championships. Montgomery spent 16 seasons as an assistant to Briles.
“I am truly honored to be the next head coach at the University of Tulsa,” Montgomery said. “I want to thank President Upham, Derrick Gragg and the Board of Trustees for this special opportunity. I was fortunate to be in a great position working with Coach Briles and the wonderful people at Baylor. I’ve always wanted to be a head coach, but my family and I knew that it would take the right opportunity to get me to leave Waco. Tulsa is that special opportunity. There is a lot of work to get done and trust me, I’m already on it. Get ready for some fun, fast and physical football.”
(Picture courtesy of Baylor’s athletic department)