What Is 2016 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 2016 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the 2016 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Competing as a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), the team struggled throughout the year, failing to secure a winning record or bowl eligibility.

Head coach Curtis Johnson, who had been at the helm since 2012, was dismissed at the end of the season after compiling a 16–44 record over five years. The 2016 campaign marked a decline from the previous season, which saw a modest 3–9 record, and the team failed to build momentum in conference play.

• Record: The Green Wave finished the season with a 3–9 overall record and 0–8 in American Athletic Conference play.
• Head Coach: Curtis Johnson was fired after five seasons, with his final record at Tulane standing at 16–44.
• Home Games: Tulane played its home games at Yulman Stadium, a 30,000-seat facility on campus in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Notable Loss: The team suffered a 42–35 loss to in-state rival LSU, a game that remained competitive into the fourth quarter.
• Wins: Victories came against lower-division opponents: Jackson State (52–10), SMU (34–27 OT), and UConn (27–24).

Performance & Season Breakdown

The 2016 season was marked by offensive inconsistency and defensive struggles, particularly in conference matchups. Despite flashes of competitiveness, the Green Wave failed to win a single AAC game, highlighting the challenges of competing in a stronger Group of Five conference.

• Offensive Output: The team averaged 22.8 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the AAC in scoring offense.
• Defensive Struggles: Tulane allowed an average of 33.7 points per game, among the highest in the conference.
• Quarterback Play: Quarterback Tanner Lee started most games, throwing for 2,458 yards and 16 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.
• Running Game: Senior running back Sherman Badie led the ground attack with 553 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 138 carries.
• Special Teams: Kickoff returner Don Jones recorded a 99-yard return for a touchdown against UConn, one of the team’s few highlights.
• Injuries: Key injuries to the offensive line and secondary disrupted continuity and depth throughout the season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 Tulane Green Wave compared to other AAC West Division teams in key statistical categories:

The table illustrates Tulane’s struggles relative to peers, particularly in conference performance. While USF dominated the AAC with a 10–2 record, Tulane was the only team in the division without a conference win. The Green Wave also ranked last in scoring defense and second-to-last in offense within the AAC, underscoring the need for a program overhaul.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a turning point for Tulane football, signaling the end of an era and prompting a complete reset in leadership and strategy. The poor performance accelerated administrative changes aimed at improving competitiveness in the AAC.

• Coaching Change: Johnson’s firing led to the hiring of Willie Fritz, who brought a new culture and recruiting focus to the program.
• Recruiting Shift: The new staff prioritized in-state talent and junior college transfers to rebuild depth quickly.
• Facility Investment: Increased emphasis on upgrading training facilities to attract higher-caliber athletes.
• Academic Integration: Tulane began aligning athletic performance with its academic reputation, promoting student-athlete development.
• Long-Term Impact: By 2018, the team improved to 6–6, earning its first bowl bid since 2013.
• Conference Relevance: The 2016 season highlighted the gap between Tulane and top Group of Five programs, pushing the administration to invest more in football.

The 2016 season, while disappointing on the field, became a catalyst for long-term transformation. It underscored the importance of sustained investment, coaching stability, and strategic planning in modern college football.