Memphis needs more football wins to join major conference

Former Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese says the University of Memphis needs to win more in football to complement its compelling case for a major conference bid. Tranghese served as a paid consultant to the UofM athletic department during a sixth-month stint in which he evaluated a Tiger program positioning itself for inclusion in a Bowl Championship Series conference. Tranghese’s consulting work ended Dec. 31. He was paid $5,000 monthly through private donations, according to athletic director R.C. Johnson. – Commercial-Appeal

Mike Dubose takes job at Memphis

Millsaps coach Mike DuBose resigned to take an assistant position as the defensive line coach at the University of Memphis. The Majors (7-3) won their first outright league title since 1994 and made their first NCAA Division III playoff berth in 31 years. DuBose finished with a 33-10 record (24-2 SCAC record) during his four-year tenure with Millsaps. – Sun-Herald

Larry Porter Leads Memphis Search?

Well placed sources at Memphis tell Football Rumor Mill that LSU running backs coach Larry Porter has emerged at the leader in Memphis’s search for a new coach to replace the fired Tommy West.

In the early stages, it appeared MTSU coach Rick Stockstill would land the job. However, he pulled out and decided to stay in Murfreesboro. In the meantime, a schism developed among the powers at Memphis. It seems AD R.C. Johnson wanted Porter, while other prominent boosters wanted to move in another direction.

Sources indicate this morning that it appears Johnson is winning the battle. More to come from Football Rumor Mill…

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

“Strong” Name for Job Openings

Defensive coordinator Charlie Strong said his focus is the Florida defense, not head-coaching opportunities. The Memphis Commercial Appeal linked Strong, a Gators coordinator since 2003, to the Memphis job this week after Tommy West resigned. South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier said Strong should be a head coach soon. “I just have to work and continue to do this job right now,” Strong said. When asked how it feels that many peers root for his career ascension, Strong said  “that’s great, but we just have to wait for it to happen.” Coach Urban Meyer said he and Strong talked over the summer about handling potential job opportunities without interfering with team chemistry. – Orlando Sentinel

Long List at Memphis to Replace Tommy West

Among the names that have surfaced as potential candidates to replace Tommy West are: LSU assistant head coach Larry Porter, a former UofM running back; Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong; Oklahoma State co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer, son of former Ole Miss coach Billy Brewer; Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn; and Detroit Lions assistant Tim Walton, former UofM defensive coordinator. – Commercial Appeal

Tommy West: Memphis program is doomed with bad facilities

Tommy West, in a blistering critique, said the Memphis program is doomed to underachieve until the UofM addresses a lack of facilities and overall funding and fully commits to football. ”At some point in time you’ve got to say, ‘We’ve got to help this football program,’” West said. “We’ve got to do the things necessary to make this what we want it or do away with it.” – Commercial Appeal

VIDEO: Tommy West Slams Memphis

Porter, Tuberville, Bowden, Bower early names at Memphis

Memphis has fired football coach Tommy West, a source within the school confirmed to CBSSports.com on Monday morning. The school has scheduled a press conference for 12:30 p.m. ET. West is in his ninth season at Memphis; it’s unclear whether he’ll finish the season. Either way, the Memphis search is expected to begin immediately. Among the people certain to surface as a permanent replacement is LSU assistant Larry Porter, a former Memphis player. The Tigers are 2-7 after a weekend loss at Tennessee. – CBS Sports

Memphis could be a good job for an aggressive young assistant. Look what Kevin Sumlin is doing in the same league (Conference USA) with Houston. Gary Parrish already told you that the Tigers are targeting LSU assistant Larry Porter. I’ve since found out that former Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville, current North Alabama coach Terry Bowden and former Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower have shown interest in the job. – CBS Sports

Tommy West Fired as Tigers Coach

The University of Memphis has fired head football coach Tommy West, Action News 5 has confirmed. West’s Tigers, 2-7, lost to Tennessee Saturday night in Knoxville by a score of 56-28. West came to Memphis in 2000 as a defensive coordinator, becoming head coach in 2001.  He lead the team to five bowl appearances. – Action 5 TV

Next Page »