Fifteen years ago, Tommy West found himself at a poignant press conference where he addressed Memphis football fans following his dismissal as head coach of the Tigers. This marked an emotional chapter for West, who had invested nine years into the program and had grown increasingly frustrated with its state.
Reflecting on that day, West recounted his passionate call to action: either significantly invest in the football program or consider shutting it down. His gritty expression of the program’s struggles resonated, as he shared, “It’s too painful. It’s painful for coaches, for players and for people, for fans.”
Fast forward to today, and many of West’s concerns have been addressed. The past 15 years have seen Memphis transform its football program through substantial investments, including new facilities and an updated stadium, highlighted by an innovative NIL deal that exceeds offerings from many schools in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). As the Tigers entered the current season as favorites to clinch the AAC title, they have established a standard whereby an 8-2 record is viewed as a disappointment.
West’s tenure marked a significant turning point. Under his leadership, Memphis broke a 32-year bowl game drought. He acknowledged that the heightened expectations, which led to his firing, have since fueled the program’s success under coaches like Justin Fuente, Mike Norvell, and currently Ryan Silverfield. Each coached contributed to establishing a culture of competitiveness that had long been absent.
West, now 70, has continued to contribute to the sport as a defensive line coach after his time at Memphis. He reflects on the pride of having laid the foundation that later coaches built upon. Darrell Dickey, who served as an assistant during West’s era and later under Fuente and Norvell, noted the challenges of sustaining success; however, he credits the latter coaches for their ability to elevate the program further.
Silverfield, the current head coach, has recognized the elevated expectations and pressures that come with Memphis’s newfound prominence. After a recent loss, he emphasized the importance of striving for conference championships yearly, signaling a competitive spirit among players and fans alike.
The narrative of Memphis football has evolved dramatically since West’s tenure, culminating in a program that now anticipates high-performance seasons. While the Tigers may not reach their desired goals this year, the groundwork laid by West and his successors has set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire hope for future seasons.
In summary, Tommy West’s legacy remains significant in the evolution of Memphis football. His initial frustrations became the catalyst for a much-needed transformation that fostered a generation of success, setting expectations and benchmarks for the program to continue striving for greatness.