It was a slightly chilly day, with dark gray overcast skies and a constant drizzle that seemed very symbolic. After all, the Memphis football program has been under a cloud of uncertainty and negativity for the entire 2009 season. It had taken a downward turn towards apathy as the season progressed.
Then there was the unforgettable Tommy West press conference announcing his termination as the head coach. A press conference which struck a chord with the fans and city that are hungry for bigger and better things. A Memphis football program that seems to constantly come up short despite making bowls 5 out of the last 7 seasons. Memphis has never won a C-USA divisional title, much less a conference title. West was quick to make sure everyone heard his message of the short comings in both financial support and dedication from the University administration. All of those things are legitimate concerns that have been brought up repeatedly in the media and among the fans. But none of this could damper the hope Larry Porter brought to Memphis with him on this dreary Sunday afternoon. Porter brought home a message of hope.
It appears as if the search for the next head football coach at the University of Memphis has come to a close. After reports earlier in the week from multiple sources that the leading candidates for the job was current Washington Redskins position coach Jerry Gray, it appears as if the tides turned late in the week to former Tiger running back and current LSU running back coach Larry Porter. 
