From October, 2006 through 2008 the Costa Rican Football Federation, named Hernan Medford and his staff to coach Costa Rica national football team. After being sacked from the national team due to poor performance, he continued his career as athletic coach for San Carlos, a team in the first division of Costa Rica. He was then appointed again as the athletic coach for the Costa Rica national team on September 16, 2009 with head coach René Simoes on charge.
On October 14, 2009 during a World Cup qualifying match against the United States, Tulbovitz briefly managed the Costa Rica national team on the pitch after Simoes and his assistant, Luis Arnaez were ejected for arguing with the officials. Under his watch, Costa Rica gave up a late goal and settled for a tie in the match, jeopardizing the team's chances to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.