Two Key Moves as Tulsa Golden Hurricane Finalizes its Coaching Staff

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane and head coach Kevin Wilson announced several changes to the staff ahead of the 2024 football season. Following a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw the Golden Hurricane finish 4-8 and 2-6 in the American Athletic Conference, changes to coach Wilson's staff were needed to have a better 2024.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane Coaching Changes Summary

The team is welcoming coach Corey Dennis as the team's new quarterbacks coach. In addition, they promoted Dominique Franks to cornerbacks coach. The team also announced that coach Steve Spurrier, Jr. will serve as associate head coach and switch to coaching the running backs after previously serving as the team's quarterbacks coach. In addition, the team announced that receivers coach Ryan Switzer will also serve as recruiting coordinator. Defensively, Joe Bolden will take on Co-Defensive Coordinator duties focusing on the run game in addition to to serving as the team's special teams coordinator.

Coach Wilson speaks highly about the addition of Dennis as they previously worked together at Ohio State University. "Corey is the guy I pursued as the best coach to join our staff." Adding that Davis' addition allows the coaching staff at Tulsa the flexibility to move to position groups that they are comfortable with and have coached before.

"Corey's strength coaching quarterbacks will be a huge asset for our team..."

Introducing Corey Dennis

Coach Dennis began his tenure at Ohio State in 2015 as an intern before spending 2016-17 campaigns as a graduate assistant coach. For the 2018 season, he was elevated to a senior quality control coach position where he focused on game planning, practice planning, and daily organization with wide receiver and quarterback groups. He served as quarterbacks coach at Ohio State since January 2020. Coach Dennis played at Georgia Tech as a receiver, in the secondary, and on special teams between 2011-14 seasons

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Introducing Dominique Franks

Coach Wilson also spoke highly of new cornerbacks coach Dominique Franks.

"Dom is a natural fit for us. A local guy who had a great playing career...When we brought Dom on as an analyst last year, I expected him to do well and have an opportunity within 1-2 years to become a position coach. He's done a great job for us and has a lot of respect from players and coaches."

Franks is a Tulsa native and was an all-state high school cornerback before playing in college at Oklahoma from 2006-2009. Later, Franks was selected in the fifth round by the Atlanta Falcons and spent four seasons with the team from 2010-2013 and part of 2014 with the Baltimore Ravens. Franks brings both NFL playing and coaching experience to this Tulsa team and has hometown roots, making him a great asset.

Conclusion For These Moves

Though all these coaching changes will have an impact, the addition of Corey Dennis as well as the promotion of Dominique Franks are perhaps the two biggest moves here. Tulsa ranked 92nd in passing yardage with 204.7 yards per game. Dennis's experience in the passing game at Ohio State will hopefully bring a spark to a team in need of a spark in that department. In a pass-heavy conference, it's imperative. Tulsa also ranked a measly 127th in passing yards allowed last year with 279.8 yards allowed per game, which Franks should hopefully improve with his prowess. Overall, it was a disappointing season for Tulsa last year, but a bounce-back can certainly be achieved with the talent returning to this roster as well as these coaching changes. Tulsa is doing what is best for them in an American Athletic Conference that is ever-changing and building talent.