The Green Wave finished the 2020 campaign with an overall record of 6–5; they were 3–5 in AAC play to finish in eighth place in the conference. They received an invitation to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where they lost to Nevada 27–38.[1]
Prior to the Potato Bowl, then Offensive Coordinator Will Hall accepted the head coaching role at Southern Miss. Chip Long was hired to replace Hall.[2]
On December 10, Fritz announced the firing of defensive coordinator Jack Curtis.[3] Chris Hampton was named the new defensive coordinator on December 18.[4]
In March 2021, it was announced that Chris Watt would be the offensive line coach for Tulane.
Preseason[]
American Athletic Conference preseason media poll[]
The American Athletic Conference preseason media poll was released at the virtual media day held August 4, 2021.[5]Cincinnati, who finished the 2020 season ranked No. 8 nationally, was tabbed as the preseason favorite in the 2021 preseason media poll.
^Originally scheduled to be played as a home game, the game against Oklahoma was moved to Norman, Oklahoma on August 30, 2021, due to safety concerns related to Hurricane Ida. Tulane remained the designated home team despite Oklahoma hosting the game.[6]