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UNC Football Product Becomes Interim Head Coach of FBS Squad

UNC football great Ryan Switzer has one week to show what he can do calling the shots.

Matt Giles

UNC football wide receiver Ryan Switzer
UNC football wide receiver Ryan Switzer / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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On Sunday morning, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Tulsa is parting ways with head coach Kevin Wilson (7-16 in two seasons at the school) and giving the interim tag to former UNC football wide receiver Ryan Switzer.

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The 30-year-old Switzer is in his second season serving as the program's wide receivers coach. He takes over a Tulsa Golden Hurricane squad that is in the midst of a three-game losing streak, including Saturday's 63-30 road defeat at the hands of South Florida. Tulsa is now 3-8 overall this season and 1-6 in American Athletic Conference play.

Although Switzer's stint at the helm may only consist of Tulsa's season-ending home game against Florida Atlantic (2-9, 0-7 AAC) at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, it's an opportunity to prove he's ready for a shot to lead a program on a full-time basis. Plus, given the opponent, he has a legitimate chance of becoming 1-0 in the role of head coach.

Ryan Switzer amassed nearly 3,000 receiving yards while racking up 19 touchdown grabs and seven scores on punt returns across his four-year UNC football career before hearing his name in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

He played 41 games over three seasons in the league, beginning with the Dallas Cowboys before spending his 2018 and 2019 campaigns with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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