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TU Introduces New Football Coach

KWGS News/TU Sports Information

The University of Tulsa welcomes new head football coach Phillip Montgomery to campus. The former Baylor Offensive Coordinator is ready to start recruiting.

In his first news conference, he said in addition to football, he will stress academics while visiting with recruits and parents.  He told reporters he sees similarities between TU and Baylor. He promised a fast, fun and physical football game for TU fans.

The University of Tulsa Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Derrick Gragg introduced Montgomery this morning as the school’s 29th head football coach.

Montgomery has logged nearly two decades of coaching experience, including the past seven (2008-14) at Baylor where he most recently has served as the offensive coordinator for the Big 12 powerhouse. The Bears have posted 10 or more wins in three of the last four years, including 11 victories in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. This year, Baylor has produced an 11-1 record and No. 4 ranking in the Associated Press poll.

“We are extremely pleased to have Philip Montgomery as our head football coach,” said Gragg. “Coach Montgomery has an outstanding background as a collegiate coach and recruiter. He is one of the bright offensive minds in college football and has coordinated explosive offenses at both Houston and Baylor.”

A Texas native, Montgomery first began his association with Art Briles at Stephenville High School and has coached alongside Baylor's head coach for 16 seasons. Montgomery moved with Briles to the University of Houston in 2003 and spent five years (2003-07) with the Cougars.

“For more than 20 years, Philip has been a rising star in Texas football,” said TU President Steadman Upham. “We welcome Philip and his family to our campus and the Tulsa community.”

“I am truly honored to be the next head coach at the University of Tulsa,” said Montgomery. “I want to thank President Upham, Derrick Gragg and the Board of Trustees for this special opportunity.  I was fortunate to be in a great position working with Coach Briles and the wonderful people at Baylor.  I’ve always wanted to be a head coach, but my family and I knew that it would take the right opportunity to get me to leave Waco.  Tulsa is that special opportunity.