Memphis Coach Fired

[smupony94]

Tiger football head coach Tommy West fired
Posted: Nov 09, 2009 9:44 AM CST Updated: Nov 09, 2009 9:48 AM CST


MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - 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.

[RGV Pony]

rumors for a replacement?

Seems like that would be a pretty attractive job, if you want to win games. You could build a pretty good recruiting class every year just on people that transfer out of SEC schools for no playing time. That, and no problem getting everyone into school.

[mrydel]

Aren't they trying to get into a BCS conference? Now is their chance to show they are serious.

[RGV Pony]

Aren't they trying to get into a BCS conference? Now is their chance to show they are serious.

I could see Tommy Bowden taking that job and doing well with it.

Man, how long ago does it seem that he had Tulane undefeated? And wasnt Rich Rodriguez on that staff?

[SMU 86]

Tommy Bowden was who I was thinking about as well.

[smupony94]

UTEP and UCF mentioned


Coach firing season has begun

November 9, 2009 12:38 PM
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson

With the news of Memphis coach Tommy West and Western Kentucky coach David Elson being fired this morning, it’s time to look at some other non-AQ coaches that might be on the chopping block during the final month of the season.

This isn’t a pleasant topic, but it’s part of the game.

WORRIED

Mike Sanford, UNLV (4-6, 2-4 MWC): There has been grumblings about Sanford’s departure since last season and if he doesn’t win out and go to a bowl those rumors might become a reality. Winning out won’t be easy with games against a tough Air Force team and a San Diego State squad that’s been playing well of late.

J.D. Brookhart, Akron (2-7, 1-4 MAC): Brookhart led Akron to a MAC championship in 2005, but the team hasn’t won more than five games in any season since. There were off-field problems this season that led to the dismissal of the starting quarterback and an assistant coach. Brookhart needed to show progress this season and the Zips have regressed.

Todd Dodge, North Texas (2-7, 1-5 Sun Belt): After the first game of the season, it looked like UNT might find a way to turn its fortunes around. That optimism was short-lived. Dodge, who came from the high school ranks, has struggled in his first collegiate stint with just five wins in his three seasons. The Mean Green have been more competitive this season, but nowhere near where they thought Dodge could take them when he was hired.

MODERATELY WORRIED

Mike Price, UTEP (3-6, 2-3 C-USA): Price won eight games each of his first two seasons with the program and hasn’t been that successful since. This was supposed to be the year the Miners turned it around, but they would have to win out to become bowl eligible. Price’s saving grace might be wins against Houston and Tulsa, but I’m not sure how much time that will buy him.

Mike Locksley, New Mexico (0-9, 0-5 MWC): Normally, a first-year coach wouldn’t be on this list, but Locksley’s off-field problems coupled by the on-field issues could be a recipe for termination. I don’t think Locksley will be fired for going winless this season (if the Lobos go winless). It’s the off-field transgressions that might put New Mexico in a bind, especially if they’re dealing with a lawsuit from a former assistant coach. It’s a lot of baggage for a first season.

Steve Roberts, Arkansas State (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt): There’s no doubt that the expectations for the Red Wolves were high this season and the team has fallen quite short. Roberts hasn’t finished better than third in the conference since winning it in 2005, but he has done some good things with this team. Roberts should be around at least another year, but he’s got to compete for a conference title in 2010.

FAN WISHFUL THINKING

George O’Leary, UCF (5-4, 3-2 C-USA): While fans have been clamoring for O’Leary’s firing, I think the Knights are going to do enough to make a bowl and keep O’Leary’s job safe for yet another season. The Knights have shown some fight in conference this year. There are two winnable games remaining on the schedule, though this week’s game against Houston could be trouble.

[deleted] Tomey, San Jose State (1-7, 0-4 WAC): This has been a bad season for San Jose State, no doubt, but this is the same team that won six games a year ago and probably should have gone to a bowl game. The problem for the Spartans is that they don’t have the offense to keep up with the rest of the WAC. Subsequently, the defense has struggled from being on the field too long. Tomey’s a good coach, but he needs to bring in some offensive firepower to get this team back into the win column in 2010.

Greg McMackin, Hawaii (1-5, 3-6 WAC): McMackin didn’t do himself any favors with his preseason comments about Notre Dame, but what’s transpired on the field can’t all fall on him. The Warriors have dealt with multiple key injuries this season and were young to begin with. Yes, a lot of people thought this team would be better, but sometimes stuff just happens. McMackin coached Hawaii to a decent season a year ago and it can still be a top WAC team in the future.

[ontheedgeofmyseat]

Memphis wants Tuberville....

[MrMustang1965]

I like the fact that the writer did not mention SMU in the article about Mike Price.

[mrydel]

Memphis wants Tuberville....

think he would be interested?

[leopold]

Most likely, Tuberville will not be interested. No. 1 on Memphis's list is Randy Fichtner, a coach with the Steelers right now who was with Memphis three years ago, as OC, I believe. No. 2 is Gus Malzan, No. 3 is Derek Dooley, and 4 is Larry Porter, running backs coach recruiting co-ordinator with LSU who is an UM alum. Order might be off a little, but that is their wish-list right now.
The AD, R.C. Johnson, has his job on the line here. After the Calipari debacle, the NCAA allegations, and failure to get Memphis into a BCS conference he needs a "Wow" hire.

[CalallenStang]

Tommy West says university doesn't put football program on level playing field within the conference (video)

http://www.wmctv.com/global/story.asp?s=11469096#

[SMU 86]

Tommy West says university doesn't put football program on level playing field within the conference (video)

http://www.wmctv.com/global/story.asp?s=11469096#

Where have I heard that before?

[ontheedgeofmyseat]

Memphis State has seen more success under Tommy West then anyone else over the last 20-30 years...Bowl games and marquee wins at a pretty freakin' tough spot on the map to coach...I like Tommy, good guy...he speaks the truth here, but...MSU seems happy just waiting for November 15th to roll around every year...

[EastStang]

I guess that shellacking by Tennessee on Saturday was the last straw.