'This Program Is Under Tremendous Leadership:' Tulsa Interim Head Coach Ryan Switzer Meets Media

Ryan Switzer has been named the interim head football coach at the University of Tulsa, stepping in for the final game of the season following Kevin Wilson's firing. Switzer, previously the team’s receivers coach, will lead the Golden Hurricane against Florida Atlantic on Saturday.

Athletic Director Justin Moore announced Wilson's dismissal on Sunday, citing the team's performance as the primary reason. During Wilson's two-year tenure, the team recorded 16 losses, nine of which were by margins of 30 points or more.

"Results matter," Moore said, emphasizing the need for a change to position TU football for future success.

Switzer, who was hired by Wilson when he took the job at TU, expressed his trust in the university's leadership and shared the team's disappointment over recent struggles. "I would say that this program is under tremendous leadership. I wholeheartedly trust Justin and Joe to get us where we need to be. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t win enough the last two years. Nobody wanted to win more than we did," Switzer said.

Moore confirmed a national search for a new head coach is underway, with some former TU players potentially in the mix for consideration.

Ryan Switzer opening statement.

All right first of all I just want to say thank you to Justin Moore and Joe Fields for this tremendous opportunity. One week or not, I do not take lightly, the challenge and the task that I've been called to do and asked to do, and so it's a tremendous opportunity for me. I want say thank you to Coach Wilson. You know, coming out of the National Football League and playing, regardless of what level you played at and how high level you played or how well of a good of a player you were. It's always challenging to step out of the playing phase and go into the coaching phase and Coach Wilson, he entrusted me, took a chance on me and I'm thankful for that. So I wanted to say thank you to him. I'm excited about this week, the guys had great juice this morning, changed a couple things up, and we went this morning. There is a lot to be thankful for on a Thanksgiving week, but had a great first day on this bonus Monday and looking forward to the great week.

Message to the fans.

Yeah, I would say that this program is under tremendous leadership. I wholeheartedly trust Justin and Joe to get us where we need to be. It's unfortunate that we didn't win enough the last two years. I know that frustration. Nobody wanted to win more than we did, certainly I. I'm excited and very much, hopeful about the future of this program, with the leadership that we have in place. I know they'll do a great job in the coaching search and I know that this will be a program moving forward that is respected, that wins games and that competes ultimately for conference championships and then who else knows? So very excited, very hopeful.

Related: Tulsa Head Coach Kevin Wilson Fired Following Loss Toss To USF