Will Hall, a very familiar name across Mississippi’s football scene, will be the next head coach for the College Football Playoff-bound Tulane Green Wave.
Hall, who is from Amory and served as the head coach at Southern Miss for three-plus seasons between 2021-24, was hired as Tulane’s pass-game coordinator and wide receivers coach after being fired at USM seven games into the 2024 season. While he didn’t see much success in Hattiesburg, compiling a 14-30 record with one bowl win, he’s been one of the more impactful assistants in the country while at Tulane. He was previously the Green Wave’s offensive coordinator from 2019-20.
ESPN first reported Hall’s promotion Monday morning as Jon Sumrall will become the head coach at Florida following Tulane’s postseason, which begins against Ole Miss on Dec. 20.
“Hall has been at Tulane for two different coaching stints, and sources told ESPN his familiarity with the school and the dynamics for success there were attractive qualities to keep continuity in the program,” the network’s Pete Thamel wrote.
Tulane confirmed the move shortly after in a news release, with athletic director David Harris saying Hall “embodies the qualities we value in our program.”
Hall has helped Tulane break several offensive records during his two stints with the program, including the single-season mark for rushing yards with 3,162 in 2019. This season, he’s guided a passing attack that includes four receivers catching more than 30 passes and quarterback Jake Retzlaff throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“I’m truly honored to accept this opportunity to serve as Tulane’s head football coach,” Hall said. “Tulane has been a special place for me. I’ve felt the unique spirit of Tulane and the strength of its culture. I’m excited to lead this program with a deep respect for its history, its people, and the city of New Orleans. Together, we’ll build on our success and continue to embody the resilience, pride, and excellence that make Tulane and this community so extraordinary.”
Hall has also served as the head coach at West Alabama (2011-13) and West Georgia (2014-16) and compiled a combined 56-20 record during his Division II run. Other FBS assistant coaching stops include Louisiana and Memphis.