Mark Hutson, a career assistant coach, hopes to prove he is theman for the Tulane head coaching job. Hutson, who has been atTulane since 2007 as offensive line coach, will act as interim headcoach for the remainder of this season. Though Tulane AthleticDirector Rick Dickson has launched a national search, Hutson willstill use the remaining 2011 season to demonstrate his worth.

Hutson, who has little head coaching experience, worked as anassistant at Murray State, Boise State, Arkansas and EasternIllinois before coming to Tulane in 2007. In 2006, his final yearat Eastern Illinois, Hutson served as interim head coach while headcoach Bob Spoo was out with medical issues. Eastern Illioisfinished the season with a record of 8-5.

Despite dropping his first game at the helm 33-17 at home toMemphis, Hutson said he has a winning team here right now.

“We have good student athletes,” Huston said. “They’re goodplayers. I look for them to come together.”

Green Wave players, including senior offensive lineman HarrisHoward, have received a positive impression of Hutson so far,.

“Coach Hutson is very transparent, and he’d tell you exactly howhe feels about you,” Howard said. “That’s going to make us betterplayers because he shoots straight.”

Tulane has five games remaining for Hutson to prove he can turnthe Wave into a winner. He’ll continue that quest Saturday, whenthe Wave hits to road to face East Carolina.