What Is 2009 Tulane Green Wave football team

Overview

The 2009 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in Conference USA’s West Division, the team was led by head coach Bob Toledo in his sixth and final season at the helm.

The Green Wave finished the season with a 5–7 overall record, including a 3–5 mark in conference play, falling short of bowl eligibility. Despite modest results, the season marked the end of an era as Toledo stepped down, paving the way for a new coaching direction.

• Record: The team finished 5–7 overall and 3–5 in Conference USA play, missing a bowl game for the second consecutive year.
• Head coach:Bob Toledo served as head coach for the final season of his tenure, compiling a 5–7 record before retiring.
• Stadium: Home games were played at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, a venue known for its intimate atmosphere and student support.
• Offensive leader: Quarterback Kevin Moore started most games, throwing for 1,548 yards and nine touchdowns on the season.
• Defensive standout: Linebacker Zach Davis led the team with 104 total tackles, becoming a consistent presence on defense.

How It Works

The 2009 season operated within the standard NCAA Division I FBS structure, with Conference USA scheduling, player eligibility rules, and game operations guiding the team’s campaign.

• Season Format: The NCAA FBS season includes a 12-game regular season; Tulane played 12 games in 2009, with no postseason appearance.
• Conference Structure: Tulane competed in the West Division of Conference USA, facing rivals like Houston and Southern Miss.
• Coaching Transition:Bob Toledo announced his retirement mid-season, with defensive coordinator Mark Hutson serving as interim.
• Roster Composition: The team relied on a mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen, with 18 seniors contributing key roles across units.
• Recruiting Class: The 2009 signing class included 22 recruits, focusing on Louisiana-based talent to strengthen local ties.
• Game Strategy: The offense used a spread system emphasizing quarterback mobility and short passing, while defense prioritized tackling efficiency.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2009 Tulane Green Wave performance is best understood in comparison to recent seasons and conference peers.

This table shows that the 2009 season represented a slight improvement over the previous two years but failed to break the bowl eligibility threshold. While the win total increased to five victories, consistency remained an issue, particularly in away games and against ranked opponents. The transition in coaching leadership the following year would further impact team performance.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a transitional chapter in Tulane football history, reflecting both continuity and the need for change after years of subpar performance.

• End of an era: Bob Toledo’s retirement marked the conclusion of a six-year tenure that saw limited postseason success.
• Foundation for rebuilding: The 2009 season laid groundwork for future recruiting and strategic shifts under new leadership.
• Local impact: Strong attendance at Yulman Stadium highlighted continued community support despite losing records.
• Player development: Several underclassmen gained experience, including future starters like defensive end David Nixon.
• Conference dynamics: Tulane’s performance reflected the competitive balance in Conference USA, where parity was common.
• Program trajectory: The 2009 season underscored the need for a more aggressive overhaul, which began in 2010 with new coaching staff.

While not a standout season, 2009 played a crucial role in setting the stage for future changes that would eventually lead to improved performance in the 2010s.