What Is 2006 Tulane Green Wave football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 3–9 record under head coach Chris Scelfo. They competed in Conference USA's West Division and played home games at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

Key Facts

The 2006 Tulane Green Wave finished the season with a 3–9 overall record
They were 1–7 in Conference USA play, placing last in the West Division
Head coach Chris Scelfo led the team for the final time in 2006 before being replaced
Tulane played home games at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans
The team scored 192 total points, averaging 16.0 points per game

Overview

The 2006 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of Conference USA in the West Division, the team struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense throughout the year.

Under the leadership of head coach Chris Scelfo, who coached his final season with the program, the Green Wave finished with a 3–9 overall record and 1–7 in conference play. Despite strong efforts in select games, the team faced challenges adapting post-Hurricane Katrina, with home games still held at the Louisiana Superdome.

Record: The team finished with a 3–9 overall record, their second consecutive losing season, reflecting ongoing rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina.
Conference Performance: In Conference USA play, they went 1–7, finishing in last place in the West Division behind teams like Southern Miss and UCF.
Head Coach:Chris Scelfo coached his final season in 2006 after six years at the helm, with his tenure ending after a 21–44 overall record.
Home Stadium: Tulane continued to play home games at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, as their on-campus Yulman Stadium was not yet constructed.
Scoring: The offense managed 192 total points across 12 games, averaging just 16.0 points per game, ranking near the bottom nationally.

Season Performance

The 2006 campaign featured a mix of close losses and tough defeats, highlighting the team's offensive limitations and defensive vulnerabilities. Despite flashes of promise, the Green Wave failed to secure key conference wins.

Season Opener: Tulane lost to North Carolina 28–14 on September 2, 2006, in a non-conference matchup at the Superdome.
Best Win: Their most notable victory came against UAB 21–17 on October 21, marking their only conference win of the season.
Quarterback Play:Quentin Griffin and Johnnie Harris split time at QB, combining for 1,618 passing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed 35.8 points per game, among the worst in FBS, with opponents frequently exploiting secondary weaknesses.
Season Finale: The team closed with a 45–17 loss to SMU on November 25, 2006, cementing their 3–9 record.
Postseason: The Green Wave did not qualify for a bowl game, extending a postseason drought that would continue into the next coaching era.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2006 Tulane Green Wave with other Conference USA West teams based on key performance metrics:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points For	Points Against
Tulane	3–9	1–7	192	430
SMU	7–6	5–3	302	279
UAB	6–6	4–4	256	258
Memphis	4–8	3–5	270	312
East Carolina	3–9	2–6	232	326

This table illustrates Tulane’s struggles relative to peers. While they tied East Carolina in overall record, their conference performance and defensive output were among the worst in the division. The high number of points allowed—430 total—underscored systemic issues on defense, contributing to their last-place finish.

Why It Matters

The 2006 season marked a turning point for Tulane football, as it concluded Chris Scelfo’s tenure and set the stage for future rebuilding. The team’s performance reflected broader challenges in program stability after natural disaster disruptions.

Coaching Change: Chris Scelfo was replaced by Robert Prunty as interim before Tommy Bowden was hired, signaling a shift in program direction.
Post-Katrina Context: The season occurred just one year after Hurricane Katrina, affecting recruiting, facilities, and team morale.
Stadium Transition: Continued use of the Superdome highlighted the lack of a dedicated on-campus stadium, later addressed with Yulman Stadium in 2014.
Recruiting Impact: Poor records in 2005 and 2006 made it harder to attract top-tier talent to New Orleans during recovery years.
Program Legacy: The 3–9 record contributed to Tulane’s reputation as a struggling FBS program, influencing future administrative decisions.
Statistical Benchmark: The 16.0 points per game average became a low watermark, later surpassed in subsequent rebuilding seasons.

Ultimately, the 2006 season served as a catalyst for change, leading to a reevaluation of coaching, recruiting, and infrastructure priorities in the years that followed.