University of Tulsa Head Football Coach Steve Kragthorpe resigned his position today, announced Tulsa Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham. Kragthorpe was introduced today as the head coach at the University of Louisville.
 
In four years, Kragthorpe compiled a 29-22 record and has led Tulsa to three Bowl games. In 2003, Kragthorpe led his first Tulsa team to the biggest turnaround in college football with an 8-5 overall record, an improvement of seven wins, and the school’s first bowl game in 12 years.
 
In 2005, Kragthorpe led the Hurricane to the Conference USA Championship in the school’s first year in the league, and a victory in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. His 2006 team finished with an 8-5 overall record and ended the season with an appearance in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.
 
“We wish Steve well in his next endeavor,” said Cunningham. “He has done a marvelous job of rejuvenating the Tulsa football program and rekindling the spirit and excitement for Golden Hurricane football within the city and state of Oklahoma, as well as putting Tulsa back into the national limelight.
 
“We’re grateful for the quality of student-athlete that Steve and his staff has recruited and recognize that their achievements have been the result of tireless and selfless work by all involved.
 
The university will conduct a national search to find the new head football coach.
 
“President Upham and I will conduct the search and we will be working with a few key advisors and a national search firm,” Cunningham said. Cunningham indicated that there will not be a search committee.
 
“We anticipate moving quickly to hire a coach who will be an exemplary leader, teacher and person,” added Cunningham.
 
Cunningham also indicated that the university will not discuss the names of possible candidates.  
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 09 January 2007 )