Top candidates at Memphis

Three SEC assistants — Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong and LSU running backs coach Larry Porter — are among those being mentioned as possible candidates to replace Tommy West, who was fired last week at Memphis. Porter is a Memphis alum, gaining 2,194 yards from 1990 to ‘93 to place sixth on the Tigers’ career rushing list. In addition to coaching running backs, Porter is assistant head coach and chief recruiter for LSU coach Les Miles. “He has great experience, great natural instincts in football, is knowledgeable and has all the people skills you would want in a guy who’s going to be called upon to make some real decisions,” Miles said of Porter. “I recommend coach Porter to any number of opportunities.” Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley, Detroit Lions assistant and former Memphis defensive coordinator Tim Walton and Oklahoma State co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer — the son of former Ole Miss coach Billy Brewer — are other potential candidates. CBSSports.com’s Dennis Dodd has reported that former Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower and North Alabama coach Terry Bowden have expressed interest in the job, while ESPN.com listed former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville as a possible candidate. Middle Tennessee’s Rick Stockstill has withdrawn his name from contention, ESPN.com reported. – Mobile Press-Register