Memphis Roar

Reports began surfacing early Monday morning that University of Memphis football coach Tommy West has been dismissed from his duties. According to sources, a press conference is to be held at 11:45 pm noon today.

WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE LIVE HERE.

Less than two weeks ago, University of Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson said, “There’s been no decision made.”

Apparently the last two performances on the field was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Coming off of two straight embarassing performances, the Memphis administration and boosters have made a decision to make a proactive step with the Memphis football program. Now sitting at 2-7 on the season, West’s firing falls only two days after Memphis lost to Tennessee, 56-28. From all indications, Tommy West will finish out the season as head coach.

West had a 49-58 record in 10 seasons at Memphis. Memphis is in last place in the C-USA East Division with a 1-4 record against conference foes. West led the Tigers to five bowl games in the last six seasons. Memphis was 6-7 last season, losing to South Florida 41-14 in the St. Petersburg Bowl.

Memphis is expected to attempt to hire a high-profile coach to replace West. According to Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com, possible candidates include former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville and Division II North Alabama coach Terry Bowden, another former Auburn coach.

According to FootballScoop.com, their sources are saying:

“FedEx CEO Fred Smith and CFO Dave Bronczek will strongly consider Gunter Brewer and Trooper Taylor for the head coaching position. Smith and Bronczek will likely work closely with Memphis athletic director RC Johnson in making the next hire. Brewer serves as the OC / quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma State. Taylor coaches the wide receivers at Auburn.”

Besides Taylor and Brewer, other names being tossed around the rumor mill include Larry Porter and Derek Dooley. Stay tuned to Memphis Roar as we continue to get updates on this breaking news.