Memphis denies reports of buyout for Memphis coach Tommy West

University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson said today that multiple reports of a buyout of ninth-year coach Tommy West’s contract “are absolutely untrue.”… West’s Memphis-based agent, Jimmy Sexton, also said there was “no truth” to the reports of a buyout. “I don’t know where that stuff comes from,” Sexton said. West’s contract runs through 2012, and the buyout would be roughly $3 million. In nine seasons at the U of M, West is 48-54. He has taken the program to five bowl games in the past six seasons. – Commercial-Appeal

Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson says it’s “absolutely untrue” that coach Tommy West has taken a buyout. Johnson released the statement Thursday afternoon after several reports surfaced that West had agreed to a buyout of his contract, which runs through next year. West has a 48-54 overall record is in his nine years as head coach of Memphis and has taken the Tigers to five bowl games. The Tigers have opened with a 1-3 record for a fourth straight year. They have finished with at least six wins during the past two seasons. – WREG