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Updated Memphis win total to accurately reflect their current all-time football qin/loss total.
 
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{{short description|Football team representing the University of Memphis}}
{{short description|Football team representing the University of Memphis}}
{{Cleanup bare URLs|date=May 2024}}
{{Overly detailed|date=August 2021}}
{{Overly detailed|date=August 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2017}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2017}}
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| ImageSize = 250
| ImageSize = 250
| FirstYear = [[1912 West Tennessee State Normal football team|1912]]; {{Years or months ago|1912}}
| FirstYear = [[1912 West Tennessee State Normal football team|1912]]; {{Years or months ago|1912}}
| AthleticDirector = Laird Veatch
| AthleticDirector = Ed Scott
| HeadCoach = [[Ryan Silverfield]]
| HeadCoach = [[Ryan Silverfield]]
| HeadCoachYear = 4th
| HeadCoachYear = 6th
| HCWins = 22
| HCWins = 41
| HCLosses = 16
| HCLosses = 21
| Stadium = [[Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium]]
| Stadium = [[Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium]]
| StadiumBuilt = 1965
| StadiumBuilt = 1965
| StadCapacity = 62,380
| StadCapacity = 58,325
| StadSurface = Field Turf
| StadSurface = Field Turf
| NCAAdivision = I FBS
| Conference = [[American Athletic Conference]]
| Conference = [[American Athletic Conference]]
| ConfDivision =
| ConfDivision =
| Location = [[Memphis, Tennessee]]
| Location = [[Memphis, Tennessee]]
| PastAffiliations = [[Mississippi Valley Conference (college)|Miss. Valley]] (1928–1934)<br />[[Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association|SIAA]] (1935–1942)<br />[[Missouri Valley Conference|Missouri Valley]] (1968–1972) <br /> [[Conference USA|C-USA]] (1996–2012)
| PastAffiliations = [[Mississippi Valley Conference (college)|Miss. Valley]] (1928–1934)<br />[[Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association|SIAA]] (1935–1942)<br />[[Missouri Valley Conference|Missouri Valley]] (1968–1972) <br /> [[C-USA]] (1996–2012)
| WebsiteName = gotigersgo.com
| WebsiteName = gotigersgo.com
| WebsiteURL = https://gotigersgo.com/sports/football
| WebsiteURL = https://gotigersgo.com/sports/football
| ATWins = 511
| ATWins = 543
| ATLosses = 526
| ATLosses = 538
| ATTies = 33
| ATTies = 33
| BowlWins = 8
| BowlWins = 8
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| DivTitles = 3<br />([[2017 Memphis Tigers football team|2017]], [[2018 Memphis Tigers football team|2018]], [[2019 Memphis Tigers football team|2019]])
| DivTitles = 3<br />([[2017 Memphis Tigers football team|2017]], [[2018 Memphis Tigers football team|2018]], [[2019 Memphis Tigers football team|2019]])
| Heismans =
| Heismans =
| AllAmericans =
| AllAmericans =
| uniform =
| uniform =
| FightSong = Go Tigers Go
| FightSong = Go Tigers Go
| MascotDisplay = Pouncer
| MascotDisplay = Pouncer
| MarchingBand = [[Mighty Sound of the South]]
| MarchingBand = [[Mighty Sound of the South]]
| Rivalries = [[Arkansas State Red Wolves football|Arkansas State]] ([[Paint Bucket Bowl|rivalry]])<br>[[Cincinnati Bearcats football|Cincinnati]] ([[Cincinnati–Memphis rivalry#Football|rivalry]])<br />[[Louisville Cardinals football|Louisville]] ([[Louisville–Memphis rivalry#Football|rivalry]])<br />[[Ole Miss Rebels football|Ole Miss]] ([[Memphis–Ole Miss football rivalry|rivalry]])<br />[[Southern Miss football|Southern Miss]] ([[Black and Blue Bowl|rivalry]])<br>[[UAB Blazers football|UAB]] ([[Battle for the Bones|rivalry]])
| Rivalries = [[Arkansas State Red Wolves football|Arkansas State]] ([[Paint Bucket Bowl|rivalry]])<br />[[Cincinnati Bearcats football|Cincinnati]] ([[Cincinnati–Memphis rivalry#Football|rivalry]])<br />[[Louisville Cardinals football|Louisville]] ([[Louisville–Memphis rivalry#Football|rivalry]])<br />[[Ole Miss Rebels football|Ole Miss]] ([[Memphis–Ole Miss football rivalry|rivalry]])<br />[[Southern Miss football|Southern Miss]] ([[Black and Blue Bowl|rivalry]])<br />[[UAB Blazers football|UAB]] ([[Battle for the Bones|rivalry]])
}}
}}
The '''Memphis Tigers football''' team represents the [[University of Memphis]] in [[college football]] in the [[NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision]]. The Tigers play in the [[American Athletic Conference]] as an all-sports member.<ref name="gTgMoveToBigEast">{{cite news |title=Memphis Is Big East Bound |url=http://www.gotigersgo.com/bigeast.html |publisher=gotigersgo.com |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2012 |archive-date=April 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422082227/http://www.gotigersgo.com/bigeast.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> They play home games at [[Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium]]. The team's head coach is [[Ryan Silverfield]].<ref name="interim">{{cite web|url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/9352/interim-head-coach-ryan-silverfield-making-no|title=Interim head coach Ryan Silverfield isn't coy: He wants the Memphis job|website=The Daily Memphian}}</ref> Since their inaugural season in 1912, the Memphis Tigers have won over 500 games and appeared in seventeen bowl games.
The '''Memphis Tigers football''' team represents the [[University of Memphis]] in [[college football]] in the [[NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision]]. The Tigers play in the [[American Athletic Conference]] as an all-sports member.<ref name="gTgMoveToBigEast">{{cite news |title=Memphis Is Big East Bound |url=http://www.gotigersgo.com/bigeast.html |publisher=gotigersgo.com |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2012 |archive-date=April 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422082227/http://www.gotigersgo.com/bigeast.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> They play home games at [[Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium]]. The team's head coach is [[Ryan Silverfield]].<ref name="interim">{{cite web|url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/9352/interim-head-coach-ryan-silverfield-making-no|title=Interim head coach Ryan Silverfield isn't coy: He wants the Memphis job|website=The Daily Memphian}}</ref> Since their inaugural season in 1912, the Memphis Tigers have won over 500 games and appeared in seventeen bowl games.


For much of its history, the Memphis Tigers football program was subpar and uninspiring with occasional flashes of moderate success while being overshadowed by the university's more successful [[Memphis Tigers men's basketball|men's basketball program]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111904353504576566651421775210|title=College Football: Meet Memphis, 2011's Worst Team|newspaper=WSJ }}</ref> However, in recent years the Tigers football program has shown a marked improvement and has been more successful since the tenure of former head coach [[Justin Fuente]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theathletic.com/2817641/2021/09/10/memphis-is-rising-but-for-now-its-peers-are-benefiting-from-realignment/|title=Memphis is rising. But for now, its peers are benefiting from realignment.|first=Matt|last=Fortuna|work=The New York Times }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bluffcitymedia.co/we-fight-like-tigers-108-seasons-of-memphis-tigers-football/|title='We Fight Like Tigers': 108 Seasons of Memphis Tigers Football|website=Bluff City Media}}</ref> As of May 2024, Memphis has earned bowl eligibility by winning at least six of 12 regular season games every year beginning in 2014 and, consequently, has been invited to a bowl game every year without interruption since 2014,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Memphis Football Bowl History |url=https://gotigersgo.com/sports/2015/6/20/FB_0620155325 |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=University of Memphis Athletics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Londergan |first=Joe |date=2023-10-28 |title=Memphis Clinch Bowl Eligibility For Tenth Consecutive Season |url=https://www.si.com/college/group-five/aac/breaking-memphis-clinch-bowl-eligibility-for-tenth-consecutive-season-ryan-silverfield-aac-recap |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=Sports Illustrated G5 Football Daily News, Analysis and More |language=en}}</ref> they are one of just nine NCAA Division I FBS teams in the country with that distinction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2023/12/28/memphis-looks-for-rare-10-win-season-and-revenge-in-the-liberty-bowl-against-iowa-state/72049630007/|title=Memphis looks for rare 10-win season and revenge in the Liberty Bowl against Iowa State|website=USA TODAY}}</ref> Ten of the program's seventeen bowl appearances have come in that time span. The program has also claimed eight conference championships with the most recent coming in [[2019 Memphis Tigers football team|2019]].
For much of its history, the Memphis Tigers football program was subpar and uninspiring with occasional flashes of moderate success while being overshadowed by the university's more successful [[Memphis Tigers men's basketball|men's basketball program]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111904353504576566651421775210|title=College Football: Meet Memphis, 2011's Worst Team|newspaper=WSJ }}</ref> However, in recent years the Tigers football program has shown a marked improvement and has been more successful since the tenure of former head coach [[Justin Fuente]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theathletic.com/2817641/2021/09/10/memphis-is-rising-but-for-now-its-peers-are-benefiting-from-realignment/|title=Memphis is rising. But for now, its peers are benefiting from realignment.|first=Matt|last=Fortuna|work=The New York Times }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bluffcitymedia.co/we-fight-like-tigers-108-seasons-of-memphis-tigers-football/|title='We Fight Like Tigers': 108 Seasons of Memphis Tigers Football|website=Bluff City Media|date=September 2023 }}</ref> As of May 2024, Memphis has earned bowl eligibility by winning at least six of 12 regular season games every year beginning in 2014 and, consequently, has been invited to a bowl game every year without interruption since 2014,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Memphis Football Bowl History |url=https://gotigersgo.com/sports/2015/6/20/FB_0620155325 |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=University of Memphis Athletics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Londergan |first=Joe |date=2023-10-28 |title=Memphis Clinch Bowl Eligibility For Tenth Consecutive Season |url=https://www.si.com/college/group-five/aac/breaking-memphis-clinch-bowl-eligibility-for-tenth-consecutive-season-ryan-silverfield-aac-recap |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=Sports Illustrated G5 Football Daily News, Analysis and More |language=en}}</ref> they are one of just nine NCAA Division I FBS teams in the country with that distinction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2023/12/28/memphis-looks-for-rare-10-win-season-and-revenge-in-the-liberty-bowl-against-iowa-state/72049630007/|title=Memphis looks for rare 10-win season and revenge in the Liberty Bowl against Iowa State|website=USA TODAY}}</ref> Ten of the program's seventeen bowl appearances have come in that time span. The program has also claimed eight conference championships with the most recent coming in [[2019 Memphis Tigers football team|2019]].


==History==
==History==
{{split section|History of Memphis Tigers football|date=January 2019}}
{{see also|History of Memphis Tigers football}}
{{see also|List of Memphis Tigers football seasons}}
{{see also|List of Memphis Tigers football seasons}}

===Early history (1912–1974)===
[[File:Lester S Barnard.jpg|thumb|[[Lester Barnard]] pictured in ''The DeSoto 1923'', Memphis yearbook]]
West Tennessee State Normal School's football team had their first season in 1912.<ref name="memphis.edu">{{cite web |url=http://www.memphis.edu/umhistory.php |title=The University of Memphis :: History :: University of Memphis|work=memphis.edu}}</ref> The team was coached by Clyde Wilson.<ref name="nationalchamps.net">{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalchamps.net/NCAA/database/memphis_database.htm|title=Memphis Football History Database|work=nationalchamps.net}}</ref> In 1922, [[Lester Barnard]] was the Tigers head coach.<ref name="nationalchamps.net"/> His team compiled a 5–2–2 record.<ref name="nationalchamps.net"/> [[Zach Curlin]] succeeded Barnard and served as the Tigers head coach from 1924 to 1936.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TfWBXcG8PFQC&q=zach+curlin+memphis+football&pg=PA48|title=University of Memphis|first1=Beverly|last1=Bond|first2=Janann|last2=Sherman|first3=Frances Wright|last3=Breland|date=January 6, 2018|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|via=Google Books|isbn=9780738591124}}</ref> During Curlin's tenure, the school was a member of two athletic conferences, the Mississippi Valley Conference (1928–1934)<ref>https://jeffersonal.issuu.com/memphisathletics/docs/2006_mem_fb_media_guide/188 {{Dead link|date=March 2022}}</ref> and the [[Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association]] (1935–1941).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/sports/2015/6/20/FB_0620152618.aspx|title=Memphis Conference Titles|website=gotigersgo.com}}</ref> When Curlin stepped down as the football coach after the 1936 campaign, the school's search committee recommended [[Allyn McKeen]] and immediately hired Cecil C. Humphreys as the school's president from Tennessee Junior College in Martin, now named the [[University of Tennessee at Martin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/hof.aspx?hof=304|title=University of Memphis Athletics - M Club Hall of Fame|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=December 10, 2017|archive-date=December 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210175705/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/hof.aspx?hof=304|url-status=dead}}</ref> McKeen's 1937 squad posted a 3–6 record, setting the stage for the Tigers' only undefeated and untied season in school history. Allyn McKeen coached the Tigers in the 1937 and 1938 seasons, compiling a 13–6 record.<ref name="nationalchamps.net"/> His 1938 team went undefeated at 10–0.<ref name="nationalchamps.net"/> McKeen departed the Tigers after two seasons to accept the head football coach position at [[Mississippi State Bulldogs football|Mississippi State]] and was inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]] as a coach in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/mississippi-state-football-history/2013/8/17/4288144/disconent-and-allyn-mckeen-why-the-grass-is-always-greener-problem|title=Bob Sanders, Discontent, and Allyn McKeen: How MSU ousted its winningest football coach ever|author=cristilmethod|work=For Whom the Cowbell Tolls|date=August 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fanbase.com/E-Allyn-McKeen|title=E. Allyn McKeen|work=Fanbase|access-date=March 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130095949/http://www.fanbase.com/E-Allyn-McKeen|archive-date=November 30, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

West Tennessee State Teacher's College changed its name to Memphis State College in 1941.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web|url=https://www.memphis.edu/umhistory.php|title=UofM History|website=University of Memphis}}</ref> After that year, the Tigers became an independent and remained so until joining the [[Missouri Valley Conference]] in 1968.<ref name="underdogdynasty.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2016/7/12/12157544/a-brief-history-of-the-memphis-tigers-aac-expansion-realignment-G5-big-12|title=A Brief History of The Memphis Tigers|website=underdogdynasty.com|date=July 12, 2016}}</ref> Despite fielding a 56-player team in 1942, one of the largest in school history to that point, Memphis State managed to compile only a 2–7 record in 1942 due to many players being chosen for [[Selective Service System|selective service]] for World War II.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=http://wknofm.org/post/war-tigers-1942|title=The War Tigers of 1942|first=Sara|last=Hoover|date=September 5, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=95|title=University of Memphis Athletics - 1942 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=December 17, 2017|archive-date=December 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223043928/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=95|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Tigers did not field a football team from 1943 to 1946 due to the events surrounding World War II.<ref name="auto2"/> In 1947, athletics director Cecil Humphreys turned to his former college teammate at the [[University of Tennessee]], [[Ralph Hatley]], head coach at [[Christian Brothers High School (Memphis, Tennessee)|Christian Brothers High School]] in Memphis, to lead the football program.<ref name="gotigersgo"/> One of his first moves as head coach was to name [[Billy J. Murphy|Billy Murphy]] as an assistant coach.<ref name="gotigersgo">{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/hof.aspx?hof=298|title=University of Memphis Athletics - M Club Hall of Fame|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=2017-12-17|archive-date=December 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221223653/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/hof.aspx?hof=298|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hatley's first Tigers team in 1947 had 38 freshmen, but still managed to earn a 6–2–1 record.<ref name="gotigersgo"/> In 1949, Hatley's Tigers outscored their opponents 385-87 throughout the season and led the nation in total points scored for the season.<ref name="gotigersgo"/> In 1949, Memphis State finished 9–2 and set a then-school record with 21,000 in attendance to watch the team play [[Ole Miss Rebels football|Ole Miss]].<ref name="gotigersgo"/> Hatley hired [[Ken Donahue]] as line coach in 1951.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/10/14/333996/Assistant-Football-Coach-Ken-Donahue.aspx|title=Assistant Football Coach Ken Donahue Left Positive Mark At Alabama And Tennessee|date=October 14, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/2016/10/13/donahue-brought-toughness-vols-alabama/92001694/|title=Donahue brought toughness to Vols, Alabama|first=John|last=Shearer|website=Knoxville News Sentinel}}</ref> During Hatley's tenure as head coach, Memphis State graduated 98% of its football players.<ref name="tshf">{{cite web|url=http://tshf.net/halloffame/hatley-ralph/|website=tshf.net|title=Ralph Hatley « Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame|access-date=2017-12-17}}</ref> Hatley's Tigers made their first bowl appearance in school history in the [[Burley Bowl|1956 Burley Bowl]], a 32–12 victory over [[East Tennessee State Buccaneers football|East Tennessee]] that was the final playing of the [[Johnson City, Tennessee]] bowl game.<ref name="newspapers">{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111395802/|website=newspapers.com|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on November 23, 1956 · Page 50|date=November 23, 1956 |access-date=2017-12-17}}</ref> Hatley [[retirement|retired]] as head coach after the 1957 season with a 60–43–5 record.<ref name="tshf"/><ref name="gotigersgo"/> He retired as the school's winningest head coach and remained so until he was surpassed by his successor in 1967.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/face/team?teamId=235|title=Memphis Tigers Face of the Program - College Football|website=www.espn.com}}</ref>
Billy Murphy took over as head coach in 1958 and served as head football coach for the Tigers for fourteen seasons.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/022108aaa.html|title=Long-time Former Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Billy J. Murphy Passes Away|work=gotigersgo.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201181253/http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/022108aaa.html|archive-date=February 1, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="sports-reference.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/billy-murphy-1.html|title=Billy Murphy|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> In 1963, Murphy led the Tigers to a 9–0–1 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1963-schedule.html|title=1963 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> After a season-opening win over [[Southern Miss Golden Eagles football|Southern Miss]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebesttimes.com/entertainment/memphis-tigers-football-season-eagerly-awaited/article_da06150e-8e61-11e7-896a-a35caa1625bb.html|title=Memphis Tigers football season eagerly awaited|first=Rob|last=Grubbs|date=August 31, 2017 }}</ref> the Tigers tied No. 2 Ole Miss by a score of 0–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2013/sep/6/reunion-brings-back-tigers-great-unbeaten-team-of-63/print|title=Reunion Brings Back Tigers' Great Unbeaten Team of '63 - Memphis Daily News|website=www.memphisdailynews.com}}</ref> That game would be the only non-win for Memphis that year as the Tigers went on to grab wins over [[Tulsa Golden Hurricane football|Tulsa]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/2015/6/20/FB_0620152618.aspx|title=Memphis Conference Titles|website=www.gotigersgo.com}}</ref> North Texas,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/24524243/|title=Kingsport Times-News from Kingsport, Tennessee on October 13, 1963 · Page 38}}</ref> [[West Texas State Buffaloes football|West Texas State]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/mansfield-news-journal-oct-20-1963-p-35/|title=Mansfield News Journal Newspaper Archives, Oct 20, 1963, p. 35|date=October 20, 1963}}</ref> Mississippi State,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wreg.com/2012/08/20/former-tiger-football-great-passes/|title=Former Tiger football great passes|date=August 20, 2012}}</ref> [[Louisville Cardinals football|Louisville]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109035213/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on November 3, 1963 · Page 41|date=November 3, 1963 }}</ref> South Carolina,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://memphis.rivals.com/news/tiger-legend-russ-vollmer-passes-at-age-of-70|title=TigerSportsReport.com - Tiger Legend Russ Vollmer Passes at Age of 70|date=August 20, 2012}}</ref> [[Chattanooga Mocs football|Chattanooga]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1963/11/25/596540/out-to-win-big-in-the-city-of-memphis|title=Out to win big in the city of Memphis|first=Gwilym S.|last=Brown}}</ref> and Houston<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1963/12/09/595088/footballs-week|title=Football's Week|first=Mervin|last=Hyman}}</ref> to post just the second unbeaten season in program history.<ref name="gotigersgo.com8">{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2017/6/1/former-football-coach-billy-j-murphy-on-college-football-hall-of-fame-ballot.aspx|title=Former Football Coach Billy J Murphy on College Football Hall of Fame Ballot|website=University of Memphis|date=May 24, 2023 }}</ref> The Houston game was postponed from November 23 to November 30 following the [[Assassination of John F. Kennedy|assassination of President John F. Kennedy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amarillo.com/stories/110809/spe_specialsec17.shtml#.WiyHlExFyP8|title=Sports, but mostly we covered football|website=amarillo.com}}</ref> Murphy was named the National Coach of the Year by the [[Detroit Times]] and was also named a recipient of the Memphis Civilian Award.<ref name="gotigersgo.com8" /> Running back [[Dave Casinelli]] became the first Memphis State player to lead the NCAA in a major individual statistical category and the first Southern player to win the NCAA rushing title since [[John Dottley]] in 1949.<ref name="COMS" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Rushing Title for '63 Goes To Casinelli|newspaper=Evening Times, Cumberland, MD|date=December 10, 1963|page=14|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3453599/rushing_title_for_63_goes_to_casinelli/}}</ref> Going into the final game of the 1963 season, he ranked third in rushing yardage but totaled 210 rushing yards in the final game to finish ahead of [[Jimmy Sidle]] and [[Gale Sayers]].<ref name=COMS>{{cite news|title=Casinelli of Memphis St. No. 1 Rusher|newspaper=The Express|date=December 10, 1963|page=9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3453564/casinelli_of_memphis_st_no_1_rusher/}}</ref> He led the NCAA for the 1963 season in rushing yardage (1,016 yards) and rushing carries (219).<ref>{{cite web|title=1963 Leaders|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=October 20, 2015|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1963-leaders.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905223616/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1963-leaders.html|archive-date=September 5, 2015}}</ref> He also tied with [[Cosmo Iacavazzi]] for the national scoring title with 84 points, each having scored 14 touchdowns.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iacavazzi, Casinelli Top Scorers|newspaper=Hazleton Standard-Speaker|date=December 13, 1963|page=28|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3453588/iacavazzi_casinelli_top_scorers/}}</ref> During his four years at Memphis, Casinelli established school records with 2,796 total yards from scrimmage and 36 career touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Remembering Those With Retired Jerseys: Memphis Tigers Halfback Dave Casinelli|date=May 1, 2015|publisher=SB Nation|url=http://www.underdogdynasty.com/2015/5/1/8501433/american-athletic-conference-memphis-tigers-dave-casinelli}}</ref> In January 1964, he signed with the [[Edmonton Eskimos]] of the Canadian Football League.<ref name=Foll>{{cite news|title=Follansbee Grad Signs To Play With Canadians|newspaper=Raleigh Register|date=January 10, 1964|page=8|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3453583/follansbee_grad_signs/}}</ref> The 1963 Tigers football team finished ranked No. 14 in the [[Coaches Poll|UPI Coaches Poll]], the highest final ranking in school history.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="sports-reference.com"/> Memphis State ended its 27-year run as an independent when it joined the Missouri Valley Conference in 1968.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/backissues/issue421/cvr421.htm|title=The Memphis Flyer: Cover Story|website=www.memphisflyer.com}}</ref> Murphy retired as head coach after the 1971 season but remained as the school's athletics director until 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/hof.aspx?hof=303|title=University of Memphis Athletics - M Club Hall of Fame|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=December 10, 2017|archive-date=December 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071913/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/hof.aspx?hof=303|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA"/> His last game as head coach was the [[1971 Pasadena Bowl]], a 28–9 victory over [[San Jose State Spartans football|San Jose State]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2015/6/20/FB_0620150312.aspx|title=Tigers Rout San Jose State in Pasadena Bowl|website=University of Memphis|date=May 24, 2023 }}</ref> their second bowl appearance in school history and last for another 32 years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2003/12/01/Memphis-to-play-in-its-first-bowl-game/65501070317989/|title=Memphis to play in its first bowl game - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref> He left Memphis with a 91–44–1 record,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/billy-murphy-1.html|title=Billy Murphy Coaching Record|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> making him the winningest head coach in program history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.djournal.com/sports/update-former-memphis-coach-ad-billy-murphy-dies-at-age/article_0cc452d9-270f-51a4-899e-bce029ed2b53.html|title=Update: Former Memphis coach, AD Billy Murphy dies at age 87|first=Ashley|last=Elkins|date=February 23, 2008 }}</ref>

The program's next head coach was [[Fred Pancoast]], who came to Memphis State from his post as offensive coordinator at [[Georgia Bulldogs football|Georgia]] under [[Vince Dooley]].<ref name="grfx.cstv.com">{{Cite web|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mem/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2001_Guide_Pages241-259.pdf|title=|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202174654/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mem/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2001_Guide_Pages241-259.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a mediocre 5–5–1 record in 1972,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1972-schedule.html|title=1972 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> the Tigers finished the 1973 season with an 8–3 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1973-schedule.html|title=1973 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> The 1973 season included a 28–21 win over Louisville in the season opener,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110215126/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on September 9, 1973 · Page 43|date=September 9, 1973 }}</ref> a 24–3 victory over North Texas in the season's second game<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/22800707/|title=Denton Record-Chronicle from Denton, Texas on September 21, 1973 · Page 7|newspaper=Newspapers.com }}</ref> and a 17–13 victory over Ole Miss in the third game for the Tigers' first victory over the Rebels in the state of [[Mississippi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pressregister.com/article_ba8ee4d3-e1e7-5cca-9080-cec9cb91f61b.html|title=Between the Goalposts}}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Despite a 35–21 loss to No. 15 Houston,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1973/10/08/615759/the-week|title=The Week|first=Herman|last=Weiskopf}}</ref> the Tigers defeated Tulsa by a score of 28–16,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111689636/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on October 14, 1973 · Page 39|newspaper=Newspapers.com }}</ref> [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State]] by a margin of 13–10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nolefan.org/summary/f1973.html|title=Florida State Football - 1973 Year In Review|website=www.nolefan.org}}</ref> [[Virginia Tech Hokies football|Virginia Tech]] in a 49–16 rout<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/29978414/|title=The Danville Register from Danville, Virginia on November 4, 1973 · Page 44|newspaper=Newspapers.com }}</ref> and their last two games of the season over [[Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns football|Louisiana-Lafayette]] by a score of 41-6<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/21269057/|title=The Courier News from Blytheville, Arkansas on November 19, 1973 · Page 17|newspaper=Newspapers.com }}</ref> and [[Cincinnati Bearcats football|Cincinnati]] by a margin of 17–13<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/215878823/|title=The Town Talk from Alexandria, Louisiana on November 25, 1973 · Page 19|date=November 25, 1973 }}</ref> after a 13–10 loss to Southern Miss in the [[Black and Blue Bowl]] on November 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=122|title=University of Memphis Athletics - 1973 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=December 15, 2017|archive-date=December 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216091113/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=122|url-status=dead}}</ref> Memphis State left the Missouri Valley Conference after the 1973 season and returned to play as an independent, where it would remain until chartering [[Conference USA]] in 1995.<ref name="underdogdynasty.com"/> The 1974 season resulted in a 7–4 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1974-schedule.html|title=1974 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> Highlights of the season included a 16–10 victory over Louisville in the season opener,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1974/09/16/618908/underway-thisaway-and-thataway|title=Underway thisaway and thataway|first=Barry|last=McDermott|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com }}</ref> a 15–7 victory over Ole Miss for the Tigers second straight victory over the Rebels,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121105211845/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/ole/graphics/oldstats/1974-football-stats.pdf Article title] {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> a 20–18 victory over [[Colorado State Rams football|Colorado State]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111540147/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on September 29, 1974 · Page 58|date=September 29, 1974 }}</ref> a 41–0 shutout of North Texas,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/43935166/|title=Wise County Messenger from Decatur, Texas on October 31, 1974 · Page 14|date=October 31, 1974 }}</ref> a 42–14 win over Florida State,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nolefan.org/summary/f1974.html|title=Florida State Football - 1974 Year In Review|website=www.nolefan.org}}</ref> and a 34–10 victory over [[Wichita State Shockers football|Wichita State]] in the season finale.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=123|title=University of Memphis Athletics - 1974 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=December 15, 2017|archive-date=December 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216034655/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=123|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pancoast left the Tigers after the 1974 season to accept the head coaching position at [[Vanderbilt Commodores football|Vanderbilt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111693218/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on May 9, 1974 · Page 43|date=May 9, 1974 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/083111aad.html|title=Fred Pancoast recalls his career|work=vucommodores.com}}</ref> In three seasons, he led the Tigers to a 20–12–1 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/fred-pancoast-1.html|title=Fred Pancoast Coaching Record|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> Pancoast would be the last head coach to leave the Tigers with a winning record for 41 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tshf.net/halloffame/pancoast-fred/|title=Fred Pancoast « Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame|website=tshf.net}}</ref>

===Richard Williamson era (1975–1980)===
{{Very long|small=left|date=January 2018}}
Arkansas offensive coordinator [[Richard Williamson (American football)|Richard Williamson]] was hired as the Tigers' 15th head football coach after Fred Pancoast's departure.<ref name="panthers.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches/richard-williamson/ee4a2427-2263-4144-b90c-f62696c422e6|title=Carolina Panthers: Richard Williamson|work=panthers.com|access-date=January 24, 2014|archive-date=February 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203064307/http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches/richard-williamson/ee4a2427-2263-4144-b90c-f62696c422e6|url-status=dead}}</ref> An [[end (gridiron football)|end]] at [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] from 1959 to 1962 under head coach [[Bear Bryant]], Williamson served as [[wide receiver]]s coach for the Crimson Tide under Bryant from 1963 to 1967 returned to Alabama to coach the [[defensive line]] under Bryant from 1970 to 1971 after serving as an assistant coach under [[Frank Broyles]] at Arkansas from 1968 to 1969.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Longtime-assistant-coach-Richard-Williamson-dies/7178d10d-ef8f-4233-a348-20485a39a58f|title=Longtime assistant coach Richard Williamson dies|website=panthers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107003831/http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Longtime-assistant-coach-Richard-Williamson-dies/7178d10d-ef8f-4233-a348-20485a39a58f|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="panthers.com1">{{cite web|title=Carolina Panthers: Richard Williamson|url=http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches/richard-williamson/ee4a2427-2263-4144-b90c-f62696c422e6|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620014533/http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches/richard-williamson/ee4a2427-2263-4144-b90c-f62696c422e6|archive-date=2017-06-20|access-date=November 7, 2017|website=panthers.com}}</ref> He returned to Broyles' Razorbacks staff to serve as [[offensive coordinator]] in 1972.<ref name="panthers.com1"/> Williamson went 32–34 in six seasons as head coach of the Tigers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://coachingroots.com/football/coaches/richard-williamson |title=Coaching History Richard Williamson Coaching History |access-date=January 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140126105305/http://coachingroots.com/football/coaches/richard-williamson |archive-date=January 26, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/richard-williamson-1.html|title=Richard Williamson|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> Williamson was honored with the Southern Independent Conference Coach of the Year award twice as head coach of the Tigers.<ref name="panthers.com"/><ref name="ReferenceC"/>

The Tigers finished 7–4 in 1975.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1975-schedule.html|title=1975 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> They began the season on September 6 with a 17–7 loss to Mississippi State.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-sports/2014/08/sec_football_by_the_numbers_so.html|title=SEC Football by the Numbers: Southern Miss at Mississippi State – A long time coming|website=gulflive.com|date=August 31, 2014|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 31–20 upset victory over No. 7 [[Auburn Tigers football|Auburn]],<ref name="al.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2015/12/auburn_looking_to_overcome_his.html|title=Auburn looking to overcome history against Memphis|website=al.com|date=December 14, 2015|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State lost their next two: 13–3 to Cincinnati<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/100896215/|title=The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio on September 21, 1975 · Page 23|website=newspapers.com|date=September 21, 1975 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and 29–10 to [[Arkansas State Red Wolves football|Arkansas State]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/31876278/|title=The Courier News from Blytheville, Arkansas on September 29, 1975 · Page 13|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers defeated North Texas by a margin of 21–19 on October 4.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/31273625/|title=Denton Record-Chronicle from Denton, Texas on October 5, 1975 · Page 21|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 21–7 loss to rival Southern Miss,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lj1M6wAI1DAC&q=memphis+southern+miss+21-7+1975&pg=PA171|title=Rock Solid: Southern Miss Football|first1=John W.|last1=Cox|first2=Gregg|last2=Bennett|date=November 7, 2017|publisher=Univ. Press of Mississippi|access-date=November 7, 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9781578067091}}</ref> Williamson's team won their last five games of the season, defeating rival Louisville 41–7 on October 18,<ref name="newspapers.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110695924/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on October 11, 1980 · Page 25|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Tulsa 16–14 on October 25,<ref name="gotigersgo.com1">{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=124|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1975 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107023511/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=124|url-status=dead}}</ref> Wichita State 13–7 on November 1,<ref name="gotigersgo.com1"/> Florida State 17–14 on November 8<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fsu.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/fsu%3A338765/datastream/OCR/view|title = Diginole: FSU's Digital Repository &#124; DigiNole}}</ref> and Houston 14–7 on November 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1975/11/24/613292/footballs-week|title=Football's Week|first=Herman|last=Weiskopf|website=si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State went 8–3 in 1976.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1976-schedule.html|title=1976 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers started the season with a 21–16 win over Ole Miss on September 4<ref>{{cite web |title=Ole Miss 16 – Memphis State 21|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/ole/graphics/oldstats/1976-football-stats.pdf |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908170214/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/ole/graphics/oldstats/1976-football-stats.pdf |archive-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref> and a 21–12 win over Florida State on September 11.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theledger.com/article/LK/20091201/News/608115840/LL/|title=Righting a Misguided Ship|first1=Rick|last1=Rousos|first2=Mike|last2=Cobb|website=theledger.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107012734/http://www.theledger.com/article/LK/20091201/News/608115840/LL/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a close 16–14 loss to Tulsa,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1976/09/27/615464/the-week|title=The Week|first=Joe|last=Marshall|website=si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State defeated [[SMU Mustangs football|SMU]] by a count of 27–13<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2008/11/6/Tigers_Back_in_Action_On_the_Road_At_SMU.aspx|title=Tigers Back in Action On the Road At SMU|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and Auburn by a margin of 28–27.<ref name="al.com"/> After a 42–33 loss to Mississippi State,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/schedules/1976-mississippi-state-season/|title=1976 Mississippi State Football Schedule|date=August 16, 2014|website=saturdaydownsouth.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers shut out Wichita State by a count of 31–0<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1976/11/01/625863/the-week|title=The Week|first=Herman|last=Weiskopf|website=si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and defeated [[Tulane Green Wave football|Tulane]] by a score of 14–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tulanegreenwave.com/sports/2016/6/13/sports-m-footbl-archive-081910aan-html.aspx|title=Tulane Athletics|website=tulanegreenwave.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 21–14 loss to in-state foe [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utsports.com/news/2001/11/5/Tennessee_Memphis.aspx?path=football|title=Tennessee-Memphis|website=University of Tennessee|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers defeated Louisville by a score of 26–14<ref name="newspapers.com"/> and suffered a 14–12 letdown at the hands of rival Southern Miss in the season finale.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aKICpXfSBp0C&q=memphis+vs+southern+miss+football+14-12+1976&pg=PA124|title=Treasured Past, Golden Future: The Centennial History of the University of Southern Mississippi|first=Chester M.|last=Morgan|date=August 30, 2010|publisher=Univ. Press of Mississippi|access-date=November 7, 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9781604734645}}</ref> Williamson's Tigers finished with a 6–5 record in 1977.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1977-schedule.html|title=1977 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> In their first game after the death of rock-n-roll legend and longtime Memphis resident [[Elvis Presley]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/FromMySeat/archives/2017/08/14/the-sports-world-when-elvis-died|title=The Sports World When Elvis Died|first=Frank|last=Murtaugh|website=memphisflyer.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers lost to Ole Miss in [[Jackson, Mississippi]] by a score of 7–3.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/ole/graphics/oldstats/1977-football-stats.pdf|title=|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105211701/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/ole/graphics/oldstats/1977-football-stats.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Memphis State rebounded to win their next three, defeating Tulane by a score of 27–9,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=126|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1977 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107012021/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=126|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Utah State Aggies football|Utah State]] by a margin of 31–26<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110103409/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on October 1, 1977 · Page 11|website=newspapers.com|date=October 1977 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and Virginia Tech by a count of 21–20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cougarfootball.net/history/SWT/1977/1977-04-CaveSpring.pdf|title=Cougarfootball.net|website=www.cougarfootball.net}}</ref> After dropping a 14–13 nail biter to Louisville on October 1,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110327226/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on October 29, 1977 · Page 25|website=newspapers.com|date=October 29, 1977 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers defeated Mississippi State by a margin of 21–13 on October 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1977/10/24/621996/the-week|title=The Week|first=Herman|last=Weiskopf|website=si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State then lost a nail biter to North Texas by a count of 20–19.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc272167/|title=Coaches' Film: North Texas State University vs. University of Memphis, 1977|medium=Television production|date=October 22, 1977|website=University of North Texas Digital Library}}</ref> After a 42–14 victory over Southern Miss in the Black and Blue Bowl,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gotigersgo.com/news/2012/11/24/memphis_postgame_notes.aspx |title=MEMPHIS POSTGAME NOTES - University of Memphis Athletics |publisher=Gotigersgo.com |date=2012-11-24 |accessdate=2022-08-06}}</ref> Williamson's squad lost to Tennessee by a score of 27–14<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1977/11/14/627003/the-week|title=The Week|first=Herman|last=Weiskopf|website=si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and No. 16 Florida State by a count of 30–9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nolefan.org/summary/f1977.html|title=Florida State Football – 1977 Year In Review|website=www.nolefan.org|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State defeated Wichita State by a margin of 28–14 in the season's last game on November 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/215856432/|title=The Town Talk from Alexandria, Louisiana on November 20, 1977 · Page 25|website=newspapers.com|date=November 20, 1977 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>

Memphis State finished with a 4–7 record in 1978.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1978-schedule.html|title=1978 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a season-opening 14–7 loss to Ole Miss,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/schedules/1978-rebels-season/|title=1978 Ole Miss Football Schedule|date=August 16, 2014|website=saturdaydownsouth.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Williamson led the Tigers to a 17–3 win over Houston<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1978/10/23/823071/an-upsetting-time-for-the-top-ten-highly-ranked-usc-michigan-texas-am-and-pitt-fizzled-instead-of-fizzed|title=An upsetting time for the Top Ten|first=Herman|last=Weiskopf|website=si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers then lost their next two, falling to Mississippi State in a 44–14 blowout<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1978/10/02/106773246/the-week|title=The Week|first=Herman|last=Weiskopf|website=si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and No. 8 [[Texas A&M Aggies football|Texas A&M]] in a 58–0 shutout.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.myaggienation.com/athletics_history/football/year_by_year/year_by_year_2/article_74169278-f3bf-11e2-b186-001a4bcf887a.html|title=1978 Record, 8–4|newspaper=My Aggie Nation|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 26–13 win over Wichita State,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=127|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1978 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107021552/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=127|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Tigers lost a 13–10 nail biter to Southern Miss<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1978/10/30/106773348/the-week|title=The Week|first=Herman|last=Weiskopf|website=si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and a 41–24 game to Tulane.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=274HAwAAQBAJ&q=1978+memphis+state+vs+tulane+football+41-24&pg=PA155|title=The Jambalaya 1979|publisher=Рипол Классик|access-date=November 7, 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9785872321903|year=1952}}</ref> Memphis State won their next two, defeating Vanderbilt by a margin of 35–14<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.commercialappeal.com/sports/tigers/football/Memphis-football-to-hold-Memphis-State-Day-vs-Kansas-389116322.html|title=Memphis football to hold "Memphis State Day" vs. Kansas|website=commercialappeal.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and Louisville by a count of 29–22.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/143418462/|title=The Advocate-Messenger from Danville, Kentucky on November 12, 1978 · Page 12|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Williamson's Tigers lost their last two games of the season, suffering a 41–24 loss to North Texas<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc272203/|title=Coaches' Film: North Texas State University vs. Memphis, 1978|medium=Television production|date=November 18, 1978|website=University of North Texas Digital Library}}</ref> and a 34–14 loss to Cincinnati.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gobearcats.com/news/2001/11/19/UC_Travels_To_Memphis_With_Bowl_Bid_At_Stake.aspx|title=UC Travels To Memphis With Bowl Bid At Stake|website=gobearcats.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers finished 5–6 in 1979.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1979-schedule.html|title=1979 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State started the season with a close 14–13 win over Mississippi State on September 8.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1979/09/22/maryland-confronts-mississippi-state/dfe0105e-27cc-484a-9257-590daf7348fd/|title=Maryland Confronts Mississippi State|first=John|last=Feinstein|date=September 22, 1979|access-date=November 7, 2017|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref> The next week, Williamson's team lost to the other [[Southeastern Conference]] team from the Magnolia State, Ole Miss, by a score of 38–34.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082908aaa.html|title=Friday Flashback: Ole Miss-Memphis 1979|website=olemisssports.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107005244/http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082908aaa.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a 16–10 win in the season's third game over Wichita State,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171107014633/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mem/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/1980mediaguide-section3.pdf Article title] {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> Memphis State lost to Texas A&M by a margin of 17–7,<ref>http://sports.tamu.edu/cbs/football/spec-rel/tam-m-footbl-1979-stats.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013732/http://sports.tamu.edu/cbs/football/spec-rel/tam-m-footbl-1979-stats.html |date=November 7, 2017 }} {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref> [[Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks football|Louisiana-Monroe]] by a count of 21–20<ref>{{cite web|url=http://exstreamal.com/college/2017/08/31/louisiana-monroe-vs-memphis-live-stream-tv-info-team-news-11722/|title=Louisiana-Monroe vs Memphis Live Stream: TV Info, Team News|date=August 31, 2017|website=exstreamal.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107022039/http://exstreamal.com/college/2017/08/31/louisiana-monroe-vs-memphis-live-stream-tv-info-team-news-11722/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Southern Miss in a 22–0 shutout.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lj1M6wAI1DAC&q=memphis+state+southern+miss+football+1979+22-0&pg=PA330|title=Rock Solid: Southern Miss Football|first1=John W.|last1=Cox|first2=Gregg|last2=Bennett|date=November 7, 2017|publisher=Univ. Press of Mississippi|access-date=November 7, 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9781578067091}}</ref> The Tigers alternated between win and loss for the remainder of the season, defeating North Texas by a margin of 22–0,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112187495/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on October 28, 1979 · Page 74|website=newspapers.com|date=October 28, 1979 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> losing to Vanderbilt by a score of 13–3,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112172674/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on November 6, 1979 · Page 7|website=newspapers.com|date=November 6, 1979 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> defeating Louisville by a count of 10–6,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110682726/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on November 11, 1979 · Page 24|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> losing to No. 5 Florida State by a margin of 66–17<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1979/11/23/two-headed-qb-sparks-florida-state/2bdb02ff-0bdc-41e4-8519-7d57493acd66/|title=Two-Headed QB Sparks Florida State|first1=Joe|last1=Donnelly|work=Newsday|date=November 23, 1979|access-date=November 7, 2017|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref> and beating Cincinnati by a count of 23–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=128|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1979 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107014446/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=128|url-status=dead}}</ref> Memphis State struggled to a 2–9 mark in 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1980-schedule.html|title=1980 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers lost their first three games of the season, falling to Mississippi State by a score of 34–7,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/schedules/1980-mississippi-state-season/|title=1980 Mississippi State Football Schedule|date=August 15, 2014|website=saturdaydownsouth.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Ole Miss in a 61–7 blowout<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/schedules/1980-rebels-season-2/|title=1980 Ole Miss Football Schedule|date=August 15, 2014|website=saturdaydownsouth.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and [[Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football|Georgia Tech]] by a count of 17–8.<ref name="gotigersgo.com2">{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=129|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1980 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107005022/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=129|url-status=dead}}</ref> Williamson's squad won its first game of the season on October 4, defeating Arkansas State by a count of 24–3.<ref name="gotigersgo.com2"/> The Tigers lost to Louisville by a score of 38–14 on October 11.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110699964/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on October 12, 1980 · Page 15|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 29–10 loss to North Texas on October 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/208592045/|title=Longview News-Journal from Longview, Texas on October 19, 1980 · Page 23|website=newspapers.com|date=October 19, 1980 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 24–3 loss to No. 6 Florida State,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nolefan.org/summary/f1980.html|title=Florida State Football – 1980 Year In Review|website=www.nolefan.org|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers lost consecutive 14–10 games to Vanderbilt<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112031940/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on November 2, 1980 · Page 6|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and Cincinnati<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112038810/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on November 9, 1980 · Page 30|website=newspapers.com|date=November 9, 1980 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> before suffering a 21–16 setback to Tulane.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/11/15/Tulane-will-meet-the-5-4-Arkansas-Razorbacks-Dec-27/3206343112400/|title=Tulane will meet the 5–4 Arkansas Razorbacks Dec. 27...|website=upi.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers won their last game of the 1980 season, a 6–0 shutout over Wichita State.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/129129784/|title=The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa on November 23, 1980 · Page 36|website=newspapers.com|date=November 23, 1980 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>
Williamson was fired as head coach of the Tigers after the 1980 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/richard-williamson-dead-coach-buccaneers-panthers-alabama-memphis/q1km9oayuiqi1t1bbr9atd6ny|title=Former Bucs coach, longtime NFL and college assistant Richard Williamson dies|date=September 23, 2015|website=sportingnews.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>

===Rex Dockery era (1981–1983)===
{{Very long|small=left|date=January 2018}}
[[File:RexDockery.jpg|thumb|Coach Dockery]]
[[Texas Tech Red Raiders football|Texas Tech]] head coach [[Rex Dockery]] was named the Tigers' 16th head coach after Williamson's firing.<ref name="myfoxmemphis.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/story/23844810/liberty-bowl-field-rededicated-for-rex-dockery|title=Liberty Bowl field rededicated for Rex Dockery|author=Les Smith|date=31 October 2013 |work=myfoxmemphis.com}}</ref> After serving as a head coach at two different [[Tennessee]] high schools, Dockery had served as an assistant coach at Tennessee from 1970 to 1971 under [[Bill Battle]], at Georgia Tech in 1972 under [[Bill Fulcher]] and at Vanderbilt from 1973 to 1974 under [[Steve Sloan]] before following Sloan to serve as his offensive coordinator at Texas Tech.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tshf.net/halloffame/dockery-rex/|title=Rex Dockery « Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame|website=tshf.net|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> When Steve Sloan left Texas Tech to take the head coaching position at Ole Miss in 1978, Dockery replaced him as the team's head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://clevelandbanner.com/stories/dockery-legacy-keypart-of-bear-history,45535|title=Dockery legacy key part of Bear history|website=clevelandbanner.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107021635/http://clevelandbanner.com/stories/dockery-legacy-keypart-of-bear-history,45535|url-status=dead}}</ref> He coached at Texas Tech from 1978 to 1980, compiling a 15–16–2 record,<ref name="sports-reference.com3">{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/rex-dockery-1.html|title=Rex Dockery Coaching Record|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and being named the [[Southwest Conference]] Coach of the Year in 1978.<ref name=Bio>{{cite web|title=The Rex Dockery Award |publisher=Bradley Central High School |url=http://www.bradleyfootball.com/2006_Season/2006_Awards/rex_Dockery/rex_dockery.html |access-date=2009-01-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106112423/http://www.bradleyfootball.com/2006_Season/2006_Awards/rex_Dockery/rex_dockery.html |archive-date=2009-01-06 }}</ref>

Dockery's Tigers finished 1–10 in 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1981-schedule.html|title=1981 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After starting the season with a 20–3 loss to No. 14 Mississippi State on September 5,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/09/06/sports/alabama-beats-lsu-lamar-upsets-baylor-18-17.html|title=Lamar Upsets Baylor, 18–17|date=September 6, 1981|website=The New York Times|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/schedules/1981-mississippi-state-season/|title=1981 Mississippi State Football Schedule|date=August 15, 2014|website=saturdaydownsouth.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State lost to No. 18 Florida State by a score of 10–5 on September 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nolefan.org/garnet/seminole61.html|title=History of FSU Football – Thirty Years Ago, 1981: "Octoberfest"|website=www.nolefan.org|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The next week, Memphis State lost to Ole Miss by a count of 7–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/schedules/1981-rebels-season/|title=1981 Ole Miss Football Schedule|date=August 15, 2014|website=saturdaydownsouth.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The next week, the Tigers picked up their first win of the season and of the Dockery era by defeating Georgia Tech by a score of 28–15.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/09/28/The-Southeast/4325370497600/|title=The Southeast|website=upi.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 17–13 loss to Virginia Tech,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/bluefield-daily-telegraph-nov-26-1981-p-71/|title=Bluefield Daily Telegraph Newspaper Archives, Nov 26, 1981, p. 71|date=November 26, 1981|website=newspaperarchive.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Dockery's team suffered a 14–7 loss to Louisville.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110841022/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on October 11, 1981 · Page 43|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Dockery's squad was shut out in the Black and Blue Bowl by Southern Miss by a score of 10–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2017/09/07/memphis-football-look-worst-weather-games-tigers-history/641899001/|title=Memphis football: A look at the worst weather games in Tigers history|website=commercialappeal.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 28–9 loss to in-state power Tennessee,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/tenn/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/guide-records.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=November 6, 2017 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051845/http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/tenn/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/guide-records.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Memphis State was shut out again, this time in a 26–0 loss to Vanderbilt.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111959166/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on November 1, 1981 · Page 36|website=newspapers.com|date=November 1981 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers put up seven points in each of their final two games, both losses: 38–7 to Cincinnati<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/103177714/|title=The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio on November 4, 1981 · Page 30|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and 24–7 to Tulane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=130|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1981 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107003530/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=130|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Memphis State compiled another 1–10 record in 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1982-schedule.html|title=1982 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers lost to Ole Miss by a score of 27–10 in the season opener.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101615aaa.html|title=Friday Flashback: Ole Miss – Memphis 1982|website=olemisssports.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107021240/http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101615aaa.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On September 11, they lost to Vanderbilt by a count of 24–14.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scout.com/college/vanderbilt/Article/That-Golden-Season-104038162|title=That Golden Season|website=scout.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Next came a 41–17 loss to Mississippi State<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1982/09/27/625007/the-week|title=The Week|first=Alexander|last=Wolff|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> followed by a 24–20 loss to Georgia Tech.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1982/10/04/625027/the-week|title=The Week|first=Alexander|last=Wolff|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Next was the Black and Blue Bowl, a game the Tigers lost to Southern Miss by a margin of 34–14.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1982/10/11/625052/the-week|title=The Week|first=Alexander|last=Wolff|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 16–7 loss to Cincinnati,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gobearcats.com/news/2002/10/21/Football_Hosts_Memphis_In_67th_Annual_Homecoming_Game.aspx?path=football|title=Football Hosts Memphis In 67th Annual Homecoming Game|website=University of Cincinnati|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers fell to their foes from down the [[Mississippi River]], losing to Tulane by a score of 17–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tulanegreenwave.com/sports/2016/6/13/sports-m-footbl-archive-081910aaq-html.aspx|title=TulaneGreenWave.com – Tulane Athletics|website=tulanegreenwave.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers put up 3 points in both of the next two weeks, both losses: 34–3 to No. 3 Georgia<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/11/03/College-Football-Forecast/9975405147600/|title=College Football Forecast|website=upi.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and 29–3 to Tennessee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112479398/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on November 8, 1982 · Page 7|website=newspapers.com|date=November 8, 1982 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> On November 20, the Tigers lost their seventeenth straight game dating back to the previous season with a 38–19 loss to Louisville.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110364742/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on November 21, 1982 · Page 14|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> That streak was snapped the following week, with the Tigers defeating Arkansas State by a score of 12–0 in the season's final game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1982/12/06/625717/the-week|title=The Week|first=Herm|last=Weiskopf|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>

The Tigers improved in 1983, compiling a 6–4–1 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1983-schedule.html|title=1983 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Dockery led Memphis State to a 37–17 win over Ole Miss in the first game of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/TigerBlue/archives/2015/08/31/the-tigers-five-biggest-wins-at-the-liberty-bowl|title=The Tigers' Five Biggest Wins at the Liberty Bowl|first=Frank|last=Murtaugh|website=memphisflyer.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State scored 10 points each of the next two weeks, both losses: 24–10 to No. 8 [[North Carolina Tar Heels football|North Carolina]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1983/11/07/620067/carolinas-cookie-crumbled-again|title=Carolina's Cookie Crumbled Again|first=Jack|last=McCallum|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and 17–10 to Virginia Tech.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roanoke.com/hokies/sports/football/table_2a28303e-af6a-11e7-977b-3fa360e98324.html|title=1983|website=Roanoke Times|date=October 12, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> On October 1, Memphis State lost to No. 6 Alabama by a score of 44–13.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news-prod.cloud/newspage/262386855/ |title=The Montgomery Advertiser from Montgomery, Alabama on October 2, 1983 · 55 |website=www.news-prod.cloud |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107021754/https://www.news-prod.cloud/newspage/262386855/ |archive-date=2017-11-07}}</ref> After a 28–25 victory over Tulane,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/131765789/|title=The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa on October 9, 1983 · Page 31|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers lost the Black and Blue Bowl to Southern Miss by a score of 27–20.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lj1M6wAI1DAC&q=1983+memphis+state+southern+miss+football+27-20&pg=PA332|title=Rock Solid: Southern Miss Football|first1=John W.|last1=Cox|first2=Gregg|last2=Bennett|date=November 7, 2017|publisher=Univ. Press of Mississippi|access-date=November 7, 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9781578067091}}</ref> Dockery then led his team to three straight victories, beating Vanderbilt by a margin of 24–7,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vanderbilt.rivals.com/news/football-history-38|title=VandySports.com – Football History|date=May 26, 2004|website=rivals.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Mississippi State by a count of 30–13<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=132|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1983 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025910/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=132|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Cincinnati by a count of 43–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/103374273/|title=The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio on November 15, 1983 · Page 22|website=newspapers.com|date=November 15, 1983 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> On November 19, Memphis State tied Arkansas State at 14–14.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/11/23/College-Football-Roundup/7038438411600/|title=College Football Roundup|website=upi.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers cruised to an easy 45–7 victory over Louisville in the season finale on November 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/dover-times-reporter-nov-25-1983-p-6/|title=Dover Times Reporter Newspaper Archives, Nov 25, 1983, p. 6|date=November 25, 1983|website=newspaperarchive.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>

Dockery was killed in a plane crash on December 12, 1983, in [[Lawrenceburg, Tennessee]], en route to a speaking engagement before the city's quarterback club.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/13/sports/coach-killed-in-crash.html|title=Coach Killed in Crash|date=December 13, 1983|website=The New York Times|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name="myfoxmemphis.com"/> Freshman [[defensive back]] Charles Greenhill, offensive coordinator Chris Faros, and booster Glenn Jones were also killed in the crash.<ref name="myfoxmemphis.com"/><ref name=Bio /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/rex-dockery-1.html|title=Rex Dockery|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> On December 13, 1984, Dockery's widow Wallene filed a $182,000 lawsuit against Memphis State University and [[Coca-Cola]] seeking unpaid contractual payment obligations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/12/13/The-widow-of-Memphis-State-football-coach-Rex-Dockery/8305471762000/|title=The widow of Memphis State football coach Rex Dockery... - UPI Archives|website=UPI}}</ref> In December 1983, the playing surface at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium was named Rex Dockery Field, and was rededicated on October 30, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gotigersgo.com/news/2013/10/24/The_Late_Rex_Dockery_to_be_Honored_with_Liberty_Bowl_Field_Rededication.aspx|title=The Late Rex Dockery to be Honored with Liberty Bowl Field Rededication|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyhelmsman.com/archives/rex-dockery-field-rededicated-in-remembrance/article_ac38d4e2-3ba0-524e-bae9-2974e2992209.html|title=Rex Dockery Field rededicated in remembrance|first=Corey|last=Carmichael|website=dailyhelmsman.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Dockery had an 8–24–1 record as head coach at Memphis State.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/rex-dockery-1.html|title=Rex Dockery Coaching Record|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

===Rey Dempsey era (1984–1985)===
On December 26, 1983, [[Southern Illinois Salukis football|Southern Illinois]] head coach [[Rey Dempsey]] was hired as Memphis State's 17th head football coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/12/26/Southern-Illinois-Coach-Rey-Dempsey-was-named-today-to/9004441262800/|title=Southern Illinois Coach Rey Dempsey was named today to...|website=upi.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2506&dat=19831227&id=_VhJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HAoNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5523,9373467 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> Though he did not have ties to the Memphis area or to the [[Southern United States]], Dempsey had enjoyed a moderately successful tenure as the Salukis' head coach, including leading Southern Illinois to the [[NCAA Division I Football Championship|NCAA Division I-AA National Championship]] in 1983.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siusalukis.com/sports/2016/6/12/sports-m-footbl-archive-062510aas-html.aspx|title=Southern Illinois Athletics|website=www.siusalukis.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Dempsey also served as head coach at [[Youngstown State Penguins football|Youngstown State]] from 1973 to 1974 and had served as head coach at two [[Ohio]] high schools from 1961 to 1970.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8144890/el_paso_heraldpost/|title=Clipped From El Paso Herald-Post|newspaper=El Paso Herald-Post|date=November 20, 1973|page=15|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paeastborosshof.com/inductees1994.html|title=1994 Inductees|website=www.paeastborosshof.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109023122/http://www.paeastborosshof.com/inductees1994.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Tigers finished 5–5–1 in 1984.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1984-schedule.html|title=1984 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State defeated Arkansas State by a margin of 17–2 in their first game under Dempsey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/83640171/|title=Southern Illinoisan from Carbondale, Illinois on September 21, 1984 · Page 13|website=newspapers.com|date=September 21, 1984 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 22–6 loss to Ole Miss,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/181261445/|title=Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi on September 29, 1984 · Page 33|website=newspapers.com|date=September 29, 1984 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers won their next two, defeating Cincinnati by a margin of 47–7<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/30/sports/rutgers-rolls-over-cincinnati-by-43-15.html|title=Rutgers Rolls Over Cincinnati byY 43–15|date=September 30, 1984|website=The New York Times|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and Southern Miss in the Black and Blue Bowl by a score of 23–13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/111805aax.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107113010/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/111805aax.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 7, 2017|title=Tigers Travel to Hattiesburg for C-USA Meeting with USM :: Game will be broadcast on CSTV with a 7:30 p.m. kick-off time.|website=www.cstv.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After tying No. 6 Florida State at 17–17,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-09-21/sports/8502100007_1_memphis-state-fsu-gain-yards|title=Fsu Vs. Memphis State|website=sun-sentinel.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107112323/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-09-21/sports/8502100007_1_memphis-state-fsu-gain-yards|url-status=dead}}</ref> Memphis State won another two in a row, beating Louisiana-Lafayette by a margin of 20–7<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/209953025/|title=Longview News-Journal from Longview, Texas on October 14, 1984 · Page 16|website=newspapers.com|date=October 14, 1984 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and Mississippi State by a margin of 23–12.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/10/21/Memphis-State-23-Mississippi-12/6100467179200/|title=Memphis State 23, Mississippi 12|website=upi.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Dempsey's team lost its final four games of the season, falling to North Carolina by a score of 30–27,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1984/11/02/struggling-carolina-tries-to-come-out-of-the-blue/2571c016-b13b-4691-b1c1-5a6c7bbb5918/|title=Struggling Carolina Tries To Come Out of the Blue|first=Michael|last=Wilbon|date=November 2, 1984|access-date=November 7, 2017|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref> No. 8 Georgia by a margin of 13–3,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LdDCq3ybJPwC&q=1984+memphis+state+georgia+football+13-3&pg=PA165|title=About Them Dawgs!: Georgia Football's Memorable Teams and Players|first=Patrick|last=Garbin|date=November 7, 2017|publisher=Scarecrow Press|access-date=November 7, 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9780810860407}}</ref> Tennessee in a blowout by a score of 41–9<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111529312/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on November 13, 1984 · Page 21|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and in the season's final game to Tulane by a score of 14–9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e-yearbook.com/yearbooks/Tulane_University_Jambalaya_Yearbook/1985/Page_207.html|title=Tulane University – Jambalaya Yearbook (New Orleans, LA), Class of 1985, Page 207|website=www.e-yearbook.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>

Memphis State compiled a 2–7–2 record in 1985.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1985-schedule.html|title=1985 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers started the season with a 37–6 blowout of Louisiana-Lafayette on August 31.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/09/05/College-Football-Roundup/5627494740800/|title=College Football Roundup|website=upi.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers settled for ties the next two weeks, locking even in a 17–17 bout with Ole Miss<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/181708540/|title=Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi on September 11, 1985 · Page 25|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and a 10–10 battle with I-AA opponent [[Murray State Racers football|Murray State]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109741800/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on September 15, 1985 · Page 17|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State lost its next two, falling to No. 6 Florida State by a margin of 19–10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/09/21/FLORIDA-STATE-19-MEMPHIS-STATE-10/7487496123200/|title=Florida State 19, Memphis State 10|website=upi.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and Mississippi State by a nail-biting 31–28.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/181704875/|title=Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi on October 6, 1985 · Page 40|website=newspapers.com|date=October 6, 1985 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 38–21 victory over Tulane,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/184047779/|title=Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi on October 19, 1985 · Page 41|website=newspapers.com|date=October 19, 1985 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers lost their remaining five games, suffering defeats to Southern Miss in the Black and Blue Bowl by a margin of 14–7,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/184050925/|title=Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi on October 20, 1985 · Page 43|website=newspapers.com|date=October 20, 1985 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Alabama by a score of 28–9,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/179376468/|title=Florida Today from Cocoa, Florida on October 27, 1985 · Page 35|website=newspapers.com|date=October 27, 1985 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Virginia Tech by a margin of 31–10,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/109953960/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on November 3, 1985 · Page 47|website=newspapers.com|date=November 3, 1985 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> No. 19 Tennessee by a score of 17–7<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/70113485/|title=The Index-Journal from Greenwood, South Carolina on November 10, 1985 · Page 30|website=newspapers.com|date=November 10, 1985 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and [[Army Black Knights football|Army]] by a score of 49–7 .<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/11/18/sports/college-football-penn-state-favors-orange-bowl-bid.html|title=Penn State Favors Orange Bowl Bid|date=November 18, 1985|website=The New York Times|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After refusing to resign, Dempsey was fired as head coach after the 1985 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1985/11/30/yukica-fired-as-dartmouth-coach/9689afd9-b1b1-4ea8-8b1e-5d24cecd4c44/|title=Yukica Fired as Dartmouth Coach|date=November 30, 1985|access-date=November 7, 2017|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref> Dempsey left the Tigers with a record of 7–12–3 in two seasons as head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/rey-dempsey-1.html|title=Rey Dempsey|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref>

===Charlie Bailey era (1986–1988)===
[[Florida Gators football|Florida]] defensive coordinator [[Charlie Bailey (American football)|Charlie Bailey]] was hired as the 18th head football coach at Memphis State after Dempsey's firing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19851221&id=ojYdAAAAIBAJ&pg=6744,8584417|title=The Tuscaloosa News – Google News Archive Search |work=google.com}}</ref> Despite having no head coaching experience, Bailey arrived in Memphis with a great reputation as a defensive mind with over twenty years of assistant coaching experience, serving under the likes of [[Fran Curci]] at [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami]] and [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky]], Al Conover at [[Rice Owls football|Rice]] and [[Foge Fazio]] at Pittsburgh before joining [[Galen Hall]]'s Florida staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1985-10-24/sports/0340080292_1_charlie-bailey-defense-kentucky|title=Bailey Won't Accept It But Give Him Credit For Gators' Defense|website=orlandosentinel.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

Memphis State went 1–10 in 1986.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1986-schedule.html|title=1986 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> They started the season with a 28–6 loss to Ole Miss on September 6.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/09/10/Southeast-College-Football-Roundup/9220526708800/|title=Southeast College Football Roundup|newspaper=Upi|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The next week, the Tigers lost to Arkansas State in the [[Paint Bucket Bowl]] by a score of 30–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportinglifearkansas.com/jeff-reed-mid-souths-oldest-rivalry-arkansas-state-and-memphis/|title=Jeff Reed: Mid-South's Oldest Rivalry – Arkansas State and Memphis|website=www.sportinglifearkansas.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|date=September 20, 2013}}</ref> Louisiana-Lafayette defeated the Tigers by a score of 26–10 on September 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112291757/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on September 27, 1986 · Page 11|website=newspapers.com|date=September 27, 1986 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis' tough season continued the next week against Louisville, losing to the Cardinals by a score of 34–8.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-10-05/sports/8603150625_1_jay-gruden-ed-rubbert-howard-schnellenberger|title=Louisville Schedules Its Own Timetable|website=chicagotribune.com|date=October 5, 1986 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112793768/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on September 28, 1986 · Page 42|website=newspapers.com|date=September 28, 1986 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 34–17 loss to Mississippi State,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/aiken-standard-oct-07-1986-p-7/|title=Aiken Standard Newspaper Archives, Oct 7, 1986, p. 7|date=October 7, 1986|website=newspaperarchive.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Bailey's team was shut out by No. 2 Alabama by a score of 37–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bryantmuseum.com/gameDetail.asp?GameDate=10/11/1986|title=Alabama Football – Bryant Museum|website=bryantmuseum.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110171428/http://bryantmuseum.com/gameDetail.asp?GameDate=10/11/1986|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 18, the Tigers lost a close 14–9 contest to rival Southern Miss.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110607912/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on November 19, 1986 · Page 17|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State won its first game of the season on November 1 with a 22–21 victory over Vanderbilt.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1986/1106/pfoo-f.html|title=Tennessee teams not exactly waltzing; storybook TD pass play|date=November 6, 1986|access-date=November 20, 2017|journal=Christian Science Monitor}}</ref> The Tigers lost their last three games of the season, falling to Tennessee by a margin of 33–3,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112312049/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on November 9, 1986 · Page 216|website=newspapers.com|date=November 9, 1986 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Tulane by a margin of 15–6<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/11/16/Tulane-15-Memphis-State-6/4835532501200/|title=Tulane 15, Memphis State 6|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and [[New Mexico Lobos football|New Mexico]] by a margin of 20–13.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/76055265/|title=Santa Cruz Sentinel from Santa Cruz, California on October 9, 1986 · Page 19|website=newspapers.com|date=October 9, 1986 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

The Tigers improved to 5–5–1 in 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1987-schedule.html|title=1987 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> In the season opener, Bailey's squad defeated Ole Miss by a score of 16–10.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1987/09/14/106778204/college-football|title=College Football|first=Douglas S.|last=Looney|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State lost their next three, dropping contests to Vanderbilt by a margin of 27–17,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112469612/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on September 13, 1987 · Page 37|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> No. 7 Florida State by a score of 41–24<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/09/20/College-Football-Roundup/2099559108800/|title=College Football Roundup|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and Mississippi State in a 9–6 defensive struggle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/10/03/Freshman-Joel-Logan-kicked-three-field-goals-and-Chris/7329560232000/|title=Freshman Joel Logan kicked three field goals and Chris...|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On October 10, Memphis State pulled off one of the biggest wins in program history, defeating No. 15 Alabama by a score of 13–10.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1987-10-11/sports/sp-13428_1_alabama|title=College Football: Memphis State Upsets No. 15 Alabama on a Fourth-Quarter Field Goal, 13–10|agency=Associated Press|date=October 11, 1987|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=LA Times}}</ref> The next week, the Tigers defeated Tulane by a margin of 45–36.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/211040074/|title=The Times from Shreveport, Louisiana on October 18, 1987 · Page 49|website=newspapers.com|date=October 18, 1987 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a nail biting 17–14 defeat at the hands of Southern Miss,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/10/25/Southeast-Football-Roundup/5892562132800/|title=Southeast Football Roundup|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State tied Arkansas State at 21–21.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/46870594/|title=The Gettysburg Times from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on November 20, 1987 · Page 21|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 31–7 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2010/5/19/1987_Memphis_State_Football_Media_Guide.aspx|title=1987 Memphis State Football Media Guide|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State won its last two games of the season, crushing Louisville by a score of 43–8<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/11/14/Bill-Moody-scored-three-touchdowns-and-Memphis-State-rolled/3792563864400/|title=Bill Moody scored three touchdowns and Memphis State rolled...|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and shutting out Tulsa by a score of 14–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/129827451/|title=The Palm Beach Post from West Palm Beach, Florida on November 22, 1987 · Page 520|website=newspapers.com|date=November 22, 1987 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

Bailey's Tigers finished 6–5 in 1988.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1988-schedule.html|title=1988 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> They started the season on September 3 with a 24–6 loss to Ole Miss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/181717982/|title=Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi on September 4, 1988 · Page 37|website=newspapers.com|date=September 4, 1988 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 9–7 victory over Arkansas State,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/09/10/Memphis-St-9-Arkansas-St-7/1225589867200/|title=Memphis St. 9, Arkansas St. 7|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers lost their next two, suffering a 29–18 defeat to Louisville<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110557362/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on September 18, 1988 · Page 17|website=newspapers.com|date=September 18, 1988 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and a 20–19 nail biter to Tulane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tulanegreenwave.com/sports/2016/6/13/sports-m-footbl-archive-081910aaq-html.aspx|title=TulaneGreenWave.com – Tulane Athletics|website=tulanegreenwave.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State then defeated Southeastern Conference opponents in the next two weeks, topping Mississippi State by a margin of 31–10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=137|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1988 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111042229/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=137|url-status=dead}}</ref> and No. 14 Florida by a margin of 17–11.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1988-10-09/sports/sp-5466_1_auburn-defense|title=Southeast Roundup : Florida Upset by Memphis State; LSU Beats Auburn With Late Score|agency=Times Wire Services|date=October 9, 1988|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=LA Times}}</ref> After a 38–25 loss to Tennessee<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112988050/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on October 23, 1988 · Page 137|website=newspapers.com|date=October 23, 1988 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and a 34–27 loss to Southern Miss,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southernmiss.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101712aac.html|title=Remembering Memorable Southern Miss Homecoming Games|website=southernmiss.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111042204/http://www.southernmiss.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101712aac.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Tigers won their last three games of the season, defeating Louisiana-Lafayette by a score of 20–3,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ragincajuns.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=193|title=1988 Football Schedule|website=Ragin' Cajuns Athletics|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Tulsa by a margin of 26–20<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ragincajuns.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=200&mobile=skip|title=1986 Football Schedule|website=Ragin' Cajuns Athletics|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and Vanderbilt by a margin of 28–9.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vanderbilt.rivals.com/news/football-history-38|title=VandySports.com – Football History|date=May 26, 2004|website=rivals.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Bailey resigned as Memphis State head coach in May 1989 after allegations that two of his athletes lied about contacts with school boosters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sports People – Colleges – Football Coach Resigns|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/04/sports/sports-people-colleges-football-coach-resigns.html?|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 4, 1989|page=D27|access-date=June 30, 2022}}</ref> He put together a 12–20–1 record in three seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/charlie-bailey-1.html|title=Charlie Bailey|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref>

===Chuck Stobart era (1989–1994)===
{{Very long|small=left|date=January 2018}}
[[File:Chuck Stobart at Ohio U. (1958).png|thumb|Coach Stobart]]
On June 26, 1989, [[USC Trojans football|USC]] offensive coordinator [[Chuck Stobart]] was named the 19th head coach of the Memphis State Tigers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1989-06-27/sports/sp-4448_1_chuck-stobart-memphis-state-ncaa-probe|title=Stobart Is Hired by Memphis St.|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 27, 1989}}</ref> An assistant coach under [[Bo Schembechler]] at [[Miami RedHawks football|Miami (OH)]] and [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]], Stobart served as head coach at [[Toledo Rockets football|Toledo]] from 1977 to 1981 and [[Utah Utes football|Utah]] from 1982 to 1984, achieving mediocre success.<ref name="utrockets.com">{{cite web|url=http://utrockets.com/news/2013/1/30/Chuck_Stobart_Football_Coach_1977_1981_.aspx|title=Chuck Stobart, Football Coach (1977–1981)|website=University of Toledo|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After leaving the Utes, Stobart served as offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh in 1985 under Foge Fazio and at [[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona]] under [[Larry Smith (American football coach)|Larry Smith]] in 1986 before following Smith to USC.<ref name="utrockets.com"/> Stobart signed a four-year contract with Memphis State worth a base salary of $100,000 annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19890627&id=e0RPAAAAIBAJ&pg=2054,5680554&hl=en|title=Toledo Blade – Google News Archive Search|website=news.google.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

Memphis State finished 2–9 in 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1989-schedule.html|title=1989 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 20–13 loss to Ole Miss,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/ole-miss/Article/Still-Memorable-20-Years-Later-104641861|title=Still Memorable 20 Years Later|website=247sports.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers lost the Paint Bucket Bowl to Arkansas State by a margin of 17–13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.astateredwolves.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=7200&ATCLID=650634|title=ASU And Memphis Meet For 53rd Time In Series History Saturday - Arkansas State Athletics Official Web Site - astateredwolves.com|website=www.astateredwolves.com|date=October 12, 2006 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Next came a 35–7 loss to No. 16 Alabama<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bryantmuseum.com/gameDetail.asp?GameDate=9/16/1989|title=Alabama Football – Bryant Museum|website=bryantmuseum.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112920/http://bryantmuseum.com/gameDetail.asp?GameDate=9/16/1989|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a 38–13 loss to Florida.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/175845977/|title=Florida Today from Cocoa, Florida on September 24, 1989 · Page 37|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On October 7, Stobart's team got their first win of the season with a 13–10 victory over in-state opponent Vanderbilt.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/181742480/|title=Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi on October 8, 1989 · Page 41|website=newspapers.com|date=October 8, 1989 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The next week, the Tigers picked up their second win of the campaign, defeating Cincinnati by a score of 34–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/10/14/Memphis-State-34-Cincinnati-17/8686624340800/|title=Memphis State 34, Cincinnati 17|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On October 21, Memphis State lost to Mississippi State by a margin of 35–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/schedules/1989-mississippi-state-season/|title=1989 Mississippi State Football Schedule|date=August 14, 2014|website=saturdaydownsouth.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 31–7 loss to Southern Miss in the Black and Blue Bowl.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lj1M6wAI1DAC&q=1989+memphis+state+southern+miss+football+31-7&pg=PA334|title=Rock Solid: Southern Miss Football|first1=John W.|last1=Cox|first2=Gregg|last2=Bennett|date=November 20, 2017|publisher=Univ. Press of Mississippi|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9781578067091}}</ref> After a 38–34 loss to Tulane,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/11/05/Tulane-38-Memphis-State-34/8685626245200/|title=Tulane 38, Memphis State 34|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers lost to Louisville by 40–10.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111021362/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on November 18, 1989 · Page 17|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State closed the season on November 18 with another loss, a 57–20 blowout at the hands of No. 5 Florida State.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/132731077/|title=The Palm Beach Post from West Palm Beach, Florida on November 19, 1989 · Page 52|website=newspapers.com|date=November 19, 1989 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After the 1989 season, Stobart fired six of his nine assistant coaches, including both coordinators.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/11/20/Memphis-St-dismisses-six-football-coaches/9538627541200/|title=Memphis St. dismisses six football coaches|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

The Tigers went 4–6–1 in 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1990-schedule.html|title=1990 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State's football season began on September 1 with a 24–24 tie in the Paint Bucket Bowl with Arkansas State behind running back (and future Tigers head coach) [[Larry Porter (Coach)|Larry Porter]]'s 206 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/09/02/Arkansas-St-24-Memphis-St-24/5687652248000/|title=Arkansas St. 24, Memphis St. 24|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a tough 23–21 nail biting defeat to rival Ole Miss,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1990/09/17/106781879/scorecard|title=Scorecard|first=Craig|last=Neff|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers embarked upon a three-game winning streak, beginning with a 37–28 win over [[UCF Knights football|UCF]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/176625807/|title=Florida Today from Cocoa, Florida on September 23, 1990 · Page 37|website=newspapers.com|date=September 23, 1990 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On September 29, Stobart's Tigers defeated Tulsa by a margin of 22–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110005760/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on October 7, 1990 · Page 17|website=newspapers.com|date=October 7, 1990 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The next week, Memphis State defeated Tulane by a count of 21–14.<ref name="tulanegreenwave.com">{{cite web|url=http://tulanegreenwave.com/sports/2016/6/13/sports-m-footbl-archive-081910aat-html.aspx|title=TulaneGreenWave.com – Tulane Athletics|website=tulanegreenwave.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On October 13, the Tigers lost a close 19–17 contest to Louisville.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://athlonsports.com/college-football/slideshows/5-greatest-moments-louisville-cardinals-football-history|title=5 Greatest Moments in Louisville Cardinals Football History|newspaper=Athlonsports.com &#124; Expert Predictions, Picks, and Previews|date=May 17, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 23–7 loss in the annual Black and Blue Bowl to Southern Miss.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lj1M6wAI1DAC&q=1990+memphis+state+southern+miss+football+23-7&pg=PA334|title=Rock Solid: Southern Miss Football|first1=John W.|last1=Cox|first2=Gregg|last2=Bennett|date=November 20, 2017|publisher=Univ. Press of Mississippi|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9781578067091}}</ref> After a 20–6 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/181961469/|title=Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi on October 28, 1990 · Page 41|website=newspapers.com|date=October 28, 1990 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Stobart's squad lost its last three, falling to [[East Carolina Pirates football|East Carolina]] by a score of 24–17,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/east-carolina/Article/Memphis-ECU-Setting-The-Stage-94892|title=Memphis @ ECU: Setting The Stage|website=247sports.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Mississippi State by a count of 27–23<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2010/9/2/Larry_Porter_And_His_Tigers_Travel_To_Starkville_To_Face_The_Bulldogs_On_Saturday.aspx|title=Larry Porter And His Tigers Travel To Starkville To Face The Bulldogs On Saturday|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and No. 9 Florida State in a 35–3 blowout.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/11/17/Florida-State-35-Memphis-State-3/7576658818000/?spt=su|title=Florida State 35, Memphis State 3|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

Stobart led the Tigers to a 5–6 record in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1991-schedule.html|title=1991 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis State started the season by upsetting No. 16 USC by a score of 24–10.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/03/sports/football-memphis-state-stuns-southern-cal.html|title=Memphis State Stuns Southern Cal|date=September 3, 1991|website=The New York Times|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The following week, Stobart's Tigers lost to rival Ole Miss by a score of 10–0.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/106649392/|title=The Anniston Star from Anniston, Alabama on September 8, 1991 · Page 22|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On September 14, Memphis State lost to East Carolina by a count of 20–13.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/69793481/|title=The Index-Journal from Greenwood, South Carolina on September 24, 1991 · Page 9|website=newspapers.com|date=September 24, 1991 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers got their second win of the season the following week with a 31–21 win over Arkansas State.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1991/09/22/Larry-Porter-rushed-for-167-yards-and-one-touchdown/8142685512000/|title=Larry Porter rushed for 167 yards and one touchdown...|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 31–21 loss to [[Missouri Tigers football|Missouri]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/141468823/|title=St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri on October 6, 1991 · Page 52|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers won two in a row, defeating Southern Miss 17–12<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lj1M6wAI1DAC&q=1991+memphis+state+southern+miss+17-12&pg=PA216|title=Rock Solid: Southern Miss Football|first1=John W.|last1=Cox|first2=Gregg|last2=Bennett|date=November 20, 2017|publisher=Univ. Press of Mississippi|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9781578067091}}</ref> and Mississippi State 28–23.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1991/10/19/Memphis-St-28-Mississippi-St-23/3475687844800/|title=Memphis St. 28, Mississippi St. 23|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On October 26, Memphis State lost to Tulsa by a count of 33–28.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsok.com/5-2-tulsa-has-good-chance-to-go-bowling-hurricane-has-rubleys-golden-arm-to-thank-for-win-over-memphis-state/article/2373551|title=5–2 Tulsa Has Good Chance to Go Bowling Hurricane Has Rubley's Golden Arm to Thank for Win Over Memphis State|date=October 28, 1991|website=newsok.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The next week, Memphis State lost to No. 14 Tennessee by a margin of 52–24.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://allfortennessee.com/2017/09/22/tennessee-football-top-10-seasons-uf-loss/5/|title=Tennessee football: Vols 10 greatest seasons following loss to Florida|date=September 22, 2017|website=allfortennessee.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113009/https://allfortennessee.com/2017/09/22/tennessee-football-top-10-seasons-uf-loss/5/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a 35–7 thrashing of Louisville,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110045881/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on November 10, 1991 · Page 35|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers finished the season with a 10–7 loss to No. 7 Alabama.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bryantmuseum.com/gameDetail.asp?GameDate=11/16/1991|title=Alabama Football – Bryant Museum|website=bryantmuseum.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112752/http://bryantmuseum.com/gameDetail.asp?GameDate=11/16/1991|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Memphis State went 6–5 in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1992-schedule.html|title=1992 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> They began the season on September 5, losing the Black and Blue Bowl to Southern Miss by a score of 23–21.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aKICpXfSBp0C&q=1992+memphis+state+southern+miss+football+23-21&pg=PA182|title=Treasured Past, Golden Future: The Centennial History of the University of Southern Mississippi|first=Chester M.|last=Morgan|date=August 30, 2010|publisher=Univ. Press of Mississippi|isbn=9781604734645|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=Google Books}}</ref> Another close loss came the following week in the form of a 16–15 loss to Louisville.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110703293/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on September 14, 1992 · Page 9|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> In the season's third game, the Tigers dropped another nail biter, falling to No. 24 Mississippi State by a margin of 20–16.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/106527661/|title=The Anniston Star from Anniston, Alabama on September 20, 1992 · Page 24|website=newspapers.com|date=September 20, 1992 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After the season's third game, 80 Tigers football players boycotted team practice, claiming they had lost respect for Coach Stobart for the way he handled the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1992-09-23/sports/sp-1265_1_head-coach|title=80 Memphis State Players Boycott Practice|date=September 23, 1992|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=LA Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1992-10-18/sports/sp-1037_1_great-game|title=Spotlight / Saturday's Games At a Glance: Who's in Charge Here?|first=Mike|last=James|date=October 18, 1992|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=LA Times}}</ref> However, after Stobart acknowledged the players' frustrations and promised to change his approach, the players returned after sitting out only one day.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/24/sports/sports-people-football-memphis-state-players-end-boycott.html|title=Memphis State Players End Boycott|date=September 24, 1992|website=The New York Times|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On September 26, Memphis State won their first game of the season, defeating Arkansas by a margin of 22–6.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1992/10/26/106784467/college-football|title=College Football|first=William F.|last=Reed|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers defeated Cincinnati by a score of 34–14<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/101886638/|title=The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio on October 11, 1992 · Page 41|website=newspapers.com|date=October 11, 1992 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and followed that with a 37–7 victory over rival Arkansas State.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112544269/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on October 24, 1992 · Page 12|website=newspapers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On October 24, Memphis State defeated Tulsa by a margin of 30–25.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=141|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1992 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112719/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=141|url-status=dead}}</ref> The team's winning streak was extended to five with a 62–20 shellacking of Tulane on Halloween.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1992/11/09/106784543/college-football|title=College Football|first=William F.|last=Reed|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Ole Miss snapped Memphis State's winning streak on November 7 with a 17–12 victory over the Tigers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112589420/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on November 8, 1992 · Page 36|website=newspapers.com|date=November 8, 1992 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 26–21 loss to No. 23 Tennessee on November 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/11/14/Tennessee-26-Memphis-St-21/7525721717200/|title=Tennessee 26, Memphis St. 21|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> They finished the season with a 42–7 drubbing of East Carolina on November 21.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/gastonia-gaston-gazette-nov-22-1992-p-36/|title=Gastonia Gaston Gazette Newspaper Archives, Nov 22, 1992, p. 36|date=November 22, 1992|website=newspaperarchive.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

The Tigers finished with another 6–5 record in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1993-schedule.html|title=1993 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> They opened the season with a 45–35 victory over No. 23 Mississippi State on September 4.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/TigerBlue/archives/2010/08/12/ttt-answer|title=TTT Answer|first=Frank|last=Murtaugh|website=memphisflyer.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> In the season's second game, Stobart's team got crushed by Louisville to the tune of 54–28.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecardinalconnect.com/louisvilles-1993-liberty-bowl-team-will-be-honored-on-saturday/#.Wgj-R0xFyP8|title=Louisville's 1993 Liberty Bowl Team Will Be Honored On Saturday – The Cardinal Connect|website=www.thecardinalconnect.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|date=September 19, 2013|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113511/http://www.thecardinalconnect.com/louisvilles-1993-liberty-bowl-team-will-be-honored-on-saturday/#.Wgj-R0xFyP8|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Tigers lost a closer 17–15 contest to Louisiana-Lafayette in their third game of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ragincajuns.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=92|title=Ragin' Cajuns Mobile – 1993 Football Schedule|website=www.ragincajuns.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113165332/http://www.ragincajuns.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=92|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Tigers then notched their first win of the season, shutting out Arkansas by a margin of 6–0.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1993/10/04/129451/joe-allison|title=Joe Allison|first=William F.|last=Reed|newspaper=Sports Illustrated Vault &#124; Si.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 34–7 thrashing of East Carolina<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.dailypress.com/1993-10-28/sports/9310280336_1_ecu-basketball-honors-all-state|title=Musical Tight End Boosts East Carolina|website=dailypress.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113165139/http://articles.dailypress.com/1993-10-28/sports/9310280336_1_ecu-basketball-honors-all-state|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a 45–3 drubbing of rival Arkansas State.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsok.com/article/2445101|title=Memphis State Ready for TU|date=October 16, 1993|website=newsok.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Stobart's squad lost to Tulsa by a score of 23–19<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsok.com/article/2448534|title=TU, Southern Miss Playing for Pride|date=November 19, 1993|website=newsok.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and Cincinnati by a count of 23–20 over the next two weeks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wcpo.com/news/our-community/from-the-vault/from-the-vault-surprise-snowstorm-turns-cincinnati-from-orange-to-white-on-halloween-weekend-1993|title=From The Vault: Snowstorm turns Cincinnati from orange to white on Halloween weekend 1993|first=Greg|last=Noble|date=October 27, 2017|newspaper=Wcpo|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers then defeated Ole Miss by a score of 19–3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/TigerBlue/archives/2015/06/|title=Tiger Blue|website=Memphis Flyer|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and Southern Miss by a margin of 20–9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=142|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1993 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113653/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=142|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the season's last game, the Tigers lost to No. 9 Miami by a margin of 41–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/11/28/No-9-Miami-41-Memphis-St-17/6220754462800/|title=No. 9 Miami 41, Memphis St. 17|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Star wide receiver [[Isaac Bruce]], a senior in 1993, finished his Memphis State career with 113 receptions for 1,586 yards (14.0 yards per rec. avg.) and 15 touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tshf.net/halloffame/isaac-bruce/|title=Isaac Bruce « Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame|website=tshf.net}}</ref> He was selected in the second round with the 33rd overall pick in the [[1994 NFL Draft]] by the [[Los Angeles Rams]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1994-11-05/sports/sp-59048_1_isaac-bruce/2|title=Rookie Receiver Bruce Is Making a Good First Impression : Rams: With three of his 12 receptions going for touchdowns, opponents are beginning to pay more attention to him.|first=Mike|last=Reilley|date=November 5, 1994|via=LA Times}}</ref>

Memphis State University changed its name to the University of Memphis in 1994.<ref name="memphis.edu"/><ref name="ReferenceB"/> That year, the Tigers finished 6–5 for the third consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1994-schedule.html|title=1994 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On September 3, Stobart's squad lost to Mississippi State by a margin of 17–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/217715258/|title=The Times from Shreveport, Louisiana on September 24, 1994 · Page 25|website=newspapers.com|date=September 24, 1994 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis won its first game of the season the following week with a 42–18 thrashing of Tulsa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/archives/memphis-blows-past-tulsa/article_e0ec6469-3719-574c-b4ee-5bffd084e0d1.html|title=Memphis Blows Past Tulsa, 42–18|first=Dan|last=O'Kane|website=tulsaworld.com|date=September 11, 1994 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 20–3 loss to Southern Miss,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112553352/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on September 18, 1994 · Page 18|website=newspapers.com|date=September 18, 1994 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis won their next four games, topping Arkansas in a 16–15 nail biter,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/112588626/|title=The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee on September 25, 1994 · Page 16|website=newspapers.com|date=September 25, 1994 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Tulane in a 13–0 shutout,<ref name="tulanegreenwave.com"/> Arkansas State by a margin of 15–6<ref>{{cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/article/introducing-the-arkansas-razorbacks-arkansas-state-red-wolves-transitive-rivalry-109920579/|title=Introducing the Arkansas Razorbacks-Arkansas State Red Wolves transitive rivalry|website=247sports.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and Cincinnati in a 26–3 blowout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=143|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1994 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113165149/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=143|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 29, Memphis lost to Louisville by a score of 10–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111102270/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on October 30, 1994 · Page 11|website=newspapers.com|date=October 30, 1994 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 17–16 win over Ole Miss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/184406678/|title=Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi on November 6, 1994 · Page 42|website=newspapers.com|date=November 6, 1994 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> In the season's final two games, the Tigers lost to Tennessee by a margin of 24–13<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2SMu4o0LEi8C&q=1994+memphis+vs+tennessee+football+24-13&pg=PA145|title=SEC Football Religion of a Region|first=Kelly|last=McKeethan|date=August 31, 2011|publisher=AuthorHouse|isbn=9781463417437|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=Google Books}}</ref> and East Carolina by a count of 30–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/backissues/issue394/sports394.htm|title=Sports|website=www.memphisflyer.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On January 13, 1995, Stobart was fired as head coach of the Tigers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/398602/STOBARTS-BEEN-DOWN-THIS-ROAD-A-TIME-OR-TWO.html|title=Stobart's Been Down This Road a Time or Two|date=January 14, 1995|website=deseretnews.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> His Tigers compiled a 29–36–1 record in his five seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/chuck-stobart-1.html|title=Chuck Stobart Coaching Record|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

===Rip Scherer era (1995–2000)===
{{Very long|small=left|date=January 2018}}
[[James Madison Dukes football|James Madison]] head coach [[Rip Scherer]] took over as the Tigers' 20th head football coach after Stobart's termination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/scherer_rip00.html|title=Rip Scherer Bio|work=gotigersgo.com|access-date=March 7, 2014|archive-date=March 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307051802/http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/scherer_rip00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Scherer arrived in the Mid-South with some impressive credentials, serving as offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech from 1980 to 1986 under [[Bill Curry]] and then following Curry to Alabama, serving as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator in 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches/rip-scherer/5b3b8bed-88e1-47c0-949e-81fc2a7824aa|title=Carolina Panthers: Rip Scherer|website=panthers.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031046/http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches/rip-scherer/5b3b8bed-88e1-47c0-949e-81fc2a7824aa|url-status=dead}}</ref> He then joined [[Dick Tomey]]'s Arizona staff, serving as offensive coordinator from 1988 to 1990 before taking over as James Madison's head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uclabruins.com/staff.aspx?staff=513|title=UCLABruins.com – UCLA Athletics|website=www.uclabruins.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Scherer signed a five-year contract worth a base salary of $110,000 annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1995/01/14/unlv-coach-grgurich-released-from-hospital/1311060f-c81b-4c49-a7ce-b31f05f385f9/|title=UNLV Coach Grgurich Released From Hospital|date=January 14, 1995|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref>

On April 24, 1995, the University of Memphis ended its 21-year run as an independent when joined the newly formed Conference USA with several other southern universities.<ref name="conferenceusa.com">{{cite web|url=http://conferenceusa.com/sports/2016/7/1/ot-about-c-usa-html.aspx|title=Conference USA|website=conferenceusa.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The league announced it would begin football competition in 1996.<ref name="conferenceusa.com"/>

The Tigers finished 3–8 in 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1995-schedule.html|title=1995 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> They kicked off the season on September 2 with a 28–18 loss to Mississippi State.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.djournal.com/news/starkville-when-mississippi-state-meets-memphis-saturday-in/article_8de8ab8e-c8e7-5eb8-a051-aadd807903fa.html|title=Starkville When Mississippi State meets Memphis Saturday in|first=Ashley|last=Elkins|website=djournal.com|date=September 5, 1996 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 24–7 loss to No. 11 Michigan,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/99287587/|title=Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan on September 10, 1995 · Page 42|website=newspapers.com|date=September 10, 1995 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis picked up its first win of the season with a 33–19 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/why-rip-scherer-failed/Content?oid=1116765|title=Why Rip Scherer Failed|first=Dennis|last=Freeland|website=Memphis Flyer|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The next week, Scherer's team lost to Arkansas by a score of 27–20.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/schedules/1995-razorbacks-season/|title=1995 Arkansas Football Schedule|date=August 14, 2014|website=saturdaydownsouth.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On September 30, the Tigers lost to Louisville by a margin of 17–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111399828/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on October 1, 1995 · Page 32|website=newspapers.com|date=October 1995 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 23–8 victory over Tulane,<ref name="gotigersgo.com4">{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=144|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1995 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043257/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=144|url-status=dead}}</ref> Memphis lost to Cincinnati by a score of 28–3.<ref name="gobearcats.com">{{cite web|url=http://gobearcats.com/news/2002/10/21/Football_Hosts_Memphis_In_67th_Annual_Homecoming_Game.aspx?path=football|title=Football Hosts Memphis In 67th Annual Homecoming Game|website=University of Cincinnati|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 10–7 win over Tulsa,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/449146/TULSA-BRINGS-RUNNING-GAME-TO-PROVO.html|title=Tulsa Brings Running Game to Provo|date=November 3, 1995|website=deseretnews.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers lost 34–3 to Ole Miss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092198aaa.html|title=Rebel Football Plays at SMU|website=olemisssports.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805220521/http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092198aaa.html|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a 17–9 loss to Southern Miss in the Black and Blue Bowl,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lj1M6wAI1DAC&q=1995+memphis+southern+miss+football+17-9&pg=PA336|title=Rock Solid: Southern Miss Football|first1=John W.|last1=Cox|first2=Gregg|last2=Bennett|date=November 20, 2017|publisher=Univ. Press of Mississippi|isbn=9781578067091|access-date=November 20, 2017|via=Google Books}}</ref> Scherer's squad finished the season with a 31–17 defeat by East Carolina.<ref name="gotigersgo.com4"/>

Memphis went 4–7 in 1996, its first season in Conference USA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1996-schedule.html|title=1996 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> In the season opener, the Tigers suffered a 30–7 loss to No. 11 Miami.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-09-08/sports/9609080174_1_marlin-barnes-quarterback-ryan-clement-miami-hurricanes|title=After A Promising Spring, Bad Times Hit Miami Like A Hurricane|website=chicagotribune.com|date=September 8, 1996 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The following week, they suffered a 31–10 loss to Mississippi State.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/schedules/1996-mississippi-state-season/|title=1996 Mississippi State Football Schedule|date=August 13, 2014|newspaper=Saturday Down South|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Scherer then led the Tigers to three straight wins, defeating Missouri by a score of 19–16,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.questia.com/newspaper/1P2-33024493/missouri-misses-the-point-again-and-loses-19-16|title="Missouri Misses the Point – Again, and Loses 19–16" by Vahe Gregorian Of The Post-Dispatch – St Louis Post-Dispatch (MO), September 15, 1996|access-date=November 19, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042647/https://www.questia.com/newspaper/1P2-33024493/missouri-misses-the-point-again-and-loses-19-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tulane by a margin of 17–10<ref name="gotigersgo.com5">{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=145&path=football|title=1996 Football Schedule|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and Cincinnati by a score of 18–16.<ref name="gotigersgo.com5"/> On October 12, the Tigers lost to Houston by a margin of 37–20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uhcougars.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061913aaa.html|title=Farewell to Conference USA: Football|website=uhcougars.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 16–0 shutout loss to Southern Miss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southernmiss.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092816aaj.html|title=Looking Back at the 1996 Golden Eagle Football Season|website=southernmiss.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On October 26, Scherer's Tigers suffered a 13–9 loss at the hands of Louisiana-Lafayette.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ragincajuns.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=95&mobile=skip&print=true&version=1|title=1996 Football Schedule|website=Ragin' Cajuns Athletics|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Another loss followed in the form of a 13–10 defeat at the hands of Louisville on November 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/111271389/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky on November 3, 1996 · Page 12|website=newspapers.com|date=November 3, 1996 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Then, the Tigers notched one of the biggest wins in program history.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://americansportsnet.com/news/greatest-moments-memphis-humbled-tennessee-peyton-manning-in-1996|title=Greates Moments – Memphis humbled Tennessee, Peyton Manning in 1996|website=americansportsnet.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On November 9, 1996, the Tigers beat SEC power No. 6 Tennessee, quarterbacked by [[Peyton Manning]], 21–17 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1996-11-10/sports/sp-63423_1_24-yard-touchdown|title=Memphis Stuns No. 6 Tennessee; Alexander Is Great for Alabama|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 10, 1996}}</ref> It was the first time Memphis had defeated the Vols in fifteen meetings, and the Vols came into the game with a 40–1 record in November since 1985.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/283721-tennessee-memphis-remember-1996-is-vols-rallying-cry|title=Tennessee-Memphis: "Remember 1996" Is Vols' Rallying Cry|author=Ben Garrett|work=Bleacher Report}}</ref> Fans stormed the field and tore down the goalposts after the huge upset win.<ref name="auto1"/> During the game, Memphis kick returner Kevin Cobb returned a [[kickoff (gridiron football)|kickoff]] for a [[touchdown]].<ref name="timesfreepress.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/college/story/2013/jul/12/cobbs-known-for-big-plays/113115/|title=Cobbs known for big plays|website=timesfreepress.com|date=July 12, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The touchdown won an [[ESPY Award|ESPY]] for "College Football Play of the Year" in June 1997.<ref name="timesfreepress.com"/> It would take another 19 years for the Tigers to defeat another nationally ranked team, when they defeated No. 13 Ole Miss by a margin of 37–24 in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/memphis-upsets-ole-miss-sec-justin-fuenete-paxton-lynch/xeqyhoejwda21b76w7iwd7t11|title=Memphis stuns No. 13 Ole Miss for first win vs. ranked team since 1996|date=October 18, 2015|website=sportingnews.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Scherer's Tigers lost by a score of 20–10 to East Carolina in the season's final game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.commercialappeal.com/sports/tigers/football/geoff-calkins-its-the-biggest-memphis-football-game-since-_____-ep-615607161-324331751.html|title=Geoff Calkins: It's the biggest Memphis football game since _____|website=commercialappeal.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

Memphis posted a second consecutive 4–7 record in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1997-schedule.html|title=1997 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After dropping the season opener by a score of 13–10 to Mississippi State,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/backissues/issue489/sport489.htm|title=The Memphis Flyer: Sports – July 2, 1998|website=www.memphisflyer.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers got their first win of the season in their second game, defeating [[UAB Blazers football|UAB]] by a score of 28–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tucsoncitizen.com/morgue2/1997/09/10/144531-college-football/|title=College Football – Tucson Citizen Morgue, Part 2 (1993–2009)|website=tucsoncitizen.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Scherer's team then embarked upon a three-game losing streak, beginning with a 51–21 loss to No. 21 [[Michigan State Spartans football|Michigan State]] on September 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/208220924/|title=Lansing State Journal from Lansing, Michigan on October 25, 1997 · Page 15|website=newspapers.com|date=October 25, 1997 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Next, Memphis lost to [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota]] by a score of 20–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/north/story/minnesota-gophers-pj-fleck-tim-brewster-glen-mason-jerry-kill-head-football-coaches-first-year-011017|title=StaTuesday: Gophers head football coaches in their first year|date=January 10, 2017|website=foxsports.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On October 4, Memphis lost to Cincinnati by second straight 20–17 score.<ref name="gobearcats.com"/> After a 38–9 shellacking of Arkansas State,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thecabin.net/stories/101197/spo_asu.html#.WhIADUxFyP8|title=Log Cabin Democrat Sports: Memphis bests Ark. State 38-9 10/11/97|website=thecabin.net|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044645/http://thecabin.net/stories/101197/spo_asu.html#.WhIADUxFyP8|url-status=dead}}</ref> Scherer's squad lost by a score of 32–10 to East Carolina.<ref name="gotigersgo.com6">{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=146&path=football|title=1997 Football Schedule|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 24–3 victory over Houston,<ref name="gotigersgo.com6"/> Memphis lost to Tulane by a score of 26–14.<ref name="tulanegreenwave.com"/> On November 15, the Tigers lost a 21–20 nail biter to Louisville.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/137997124/|title=The Advocate-Messenger from Danville, Kentucky on November 16, 1997 · Page 17|website=newspapers.com|date=November 16, 1997 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> They concluded the season on November 22 with a 42–18 defeat in the Black and Blue Bowl to Southern Miss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wdam.com/story/36438301/a-look-back-1997-southern-miss-football|title=A look back: 1997 Southern Miss football|first=Taylor|last=Curet|website=wdam.com|date=September 24, 2017 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

The Tigers went 2–9 in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1998-schedule.html|title=1998 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> They started the season with a 30–10 loss to Ole Miss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/backissues/issue499/sport499.htm|title=The Memphis Flyer: Sports – September 10, 1998|website=www.memphisflyer.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers faced the other Southeastern Conference team from Mississippi in the season's second game, falling to the Bulldogs by a margin of 14–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/schedules/1998-mississippi-state-season/|title=1998 Mississippi State Football Schedule|date=August 13, 2014|website=saturdaydownsouth.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On September 19, Scherer's team lost to Minnesota by a margin of 41–14.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/backissues/issue501/sport501.htm|title=The Memphis Flyer: Sports – September 24, 1998|website=www.memphisflyer.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The next week, Memphis lost to Houston by a count of 35–14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uhcougars.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111909aaa.html|title=Football Ready to Go for Saturday Showdown vs. Memphis|website=uhcougars.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043308/http://www.uhcougars.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111909aaa.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a 23–9 defeat at the hands of No. 20 Arkansas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082508aac.html|title=GAME NOTES: Nutt Era Opens With Memphis|website=olemisssports.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033339/http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082508aac.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Tigers defeated Cincinnati by a count of 41–23 to record their first win of the season.<ref name="gotigersgo.com7">{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=147|title=University of Memphis Athletics – 1998 Football Schedule|website=gotigersgo.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033029/http://gotigersgo.com/mobile/schedule.aspx?schedule=147|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a 35–32 loss to Louisville,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://louisville.rivals.com/news/beat-memphis-day--2|title=CardinalSports.com – Beat Memphis Day!|date=September 28, 2001|website=rivals.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis picked up its second win of the year by beating Arkansas State in the Paint Bucket Bowl by a margin of 35–19<ref name="gotigersgo.com7"/> After a 41–31 loss to No. 15 Tulane on November 7,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tulanegreenwave.com/news/2017/10/25/football-set-for-friday-night-kickoff-at-no-24-memphis.aspx?print=true|title=Football Set for Friday Night Kickoff at No. 24 Memphis – Tulane University|website=tulanegreenwave.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Scherer's squad lost to Southern Miss by a blowout margin of 45–3.<ref name="gotigersgo.com7"/> They closed the season with a 34–31 loss to East Carolina.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1998/11/21/East-Carolina-34-Memphis-31/2302911624400/|title=East Carolina 34, Memphis 31|website=upi.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

Scherer led the Tigers to a 5–6 mark in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/1999-schedule.html|title=1999 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> In their first game, Memphis lost a defensive struggle to Ole Miss by a count of 3–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/1999/9/23/Tigers_Put_Up_a_Hard_Fight_Versus_Ole_Miss.aspx|title=Tigers Put Up a Hard Fight Versus Ole Miss|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The next week, the Tigers again lost by three points, falling to Mississippi State by a margin of 13–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://assets.espn.go.com/ncf/1999/990911/recap/mmgmmq.html|title=Memphis Memphis/Mississippi State Miss. St College Football recap on ESPN|website=assets.espn.go.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On September 18, Memphis won the Paint Bucket Bowl, defeating Arkansas State by a score of 31–26.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150448195/|title=Reno Gazette-Journal from Reno, Nevada on November 8, 1999 · Page 23|website=newspapers.com|date=November 8, 1999 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers then lost a 17–16 contest to No. 7 Tennessee on September 25.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://a.espncdn.com/ncf/1999/990925/recap/mmgttd.html|title=Memphis Memphis/Tennessee Tennessee College Football recap on ESPN|website=a.espncdn.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 27–17 loss to Missouri.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/backissues/issue555/sport555.htm|title=The Memphis Flyer: Sports – October 7 – 13, 1999|website=www.memphisflyer.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 38–14 victory over UAB,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn-ak.starwave.com/ncf/1999/991009/recap/mmgaaz.html|title=Memphis Memphis/Alabama Birmingham Uab College Football recap on ESPN|website=espn-ak.starwave.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis suffered another defeat, a 32–31 nail biter to Louisville.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/1999/10/16/Memphis_Shocked_By_Louisville_32_31.aspx|title=Memphis Shocked By Louisville, 32–31|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 49–7 blowout of Tulane,<ref>{{cite web|author=Football |url=https://www.gotigersgo.com/news/1999/10/30/Memphis_Football_Pours_It_On_Against_Tulane_49_7.aspx?print=true |title=Memphis Football Pours It On Against Tulane 49-7 - University of Memphis Athletics |publisher=Gotigersgo.com |date=1999-10-30 |accessdate=2022-08-06}}</ref> Scherer's team lost to No. 25 Southern Miss by a score of 20–5.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/1999/11/6/No_25_Southern_Mississippi_Too_Much_For_Memphis.aspx|title=No. 25 Southern Mississippi Too Much For Memphis|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers finished the season with two wins, defeating Army by a score of 14–10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://assets.espn.go.com/ncf/1999/991113/recap/aaqmmg.html|title=Army Army/Memphis Memphis College Football recap on ESPN|website=assets.espn.go.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and Cincinnati by a score of 21–13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/1999/11/20/Special_Teams_Shine_In_Victory_Over_Cincinnati_21_13.aspx|title=Special Teams Shine In Victory Over Cincinnati, 21–13|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

Memphis finished 4–7 in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2000-schedule.html|title=2000 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers lost to Mississippi State by a margin of 17–3 in the season opener on September 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2000/9/2/Memphis_Falls_To_Mississippi_State_17_3.aspx|title=Memphis Falls To Mississippi State, 17–3|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Scherer then led his team to three straight wins, beginning with a 28–0 shutout over Louisiana-Monroe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyhelmsman.com/sports/tigers-take-on-louisiana-monroe-in-season-opener/article_78d69b24-8e92-11e7-8e9b-67401d10b64d.html|title=Tigers take on Louisiana-Monroe in season opener|first=Abigail|last=Warren|website=dailyhelmsman.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The next week, the Tigers won the Paint Bucket Bowl over Arkansas State by a score of 19–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/arkansas-state/Article/Paint-Bucket-Bowl-Memories-105030762|title=Paint Bucket Bowl Memories|website=247sports.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 26–16 victory over Army on September 23.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/24/sports/college-football-black-knights-troubles-grow-in-loss-to-memphis.html|title=Black Knights' Troubles Grow in Loss to Memphis|date=September 24, 2000|website=The New York Times|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 24–3 loss to No. 21 Southern Miss in the Black and Blue Bowl,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/184108121/|title=Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi on October 5, 2000 · Page 19|website=newspapers.com|date=October 5, 2000 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Memphis defeated East Carolina by a score of 17–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2000/10/7/Tiger_Football_Beats_East_Carolina.aspx|title=Tiger Football Beats East Carolina|website=University of Memphis|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> On October 14, Memphis lost to UAB by a count of 13–9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uabsports.com/news/2000/10/14/UAB_Edges_Out_Memphis_In_Defensive_Battle_13_9.aspx|title=UAB Edges Out Memphis In Defensive Battle, 13–9|website=uabsports.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/tigers-fall-to-uab/Content?oid=1116663|title=Tigers Fall to UAB|first=Dennis|last=Freeland|website=Memphis Flyer|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The next week, Memphis lost to Houston by a margin of 33–30 in triple overtime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uhcougars.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111806aab.html|title=Houston-Memphis Football Postgame Notes|website=uhcougars.com|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042602/http://www.uhcougars.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111806aab.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 4, the Tigers lost to in-state foe Tennessee by a margin of 19–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utsports.com/news/2000/11/4/Volunteers_Edge_Memphis_19_17.aspx|title=Volunteers Edge Memphis 19–17|website=utsports.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> After a 13–10 overtime loss to Cincinnati,<ref name="gobearcats.com"/> the Tigers lost to Tulane by a margin of 37–14 in the season's final game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tulanegreenwave.com/news/2000/11/18/green_wave_drowns_memphis_37_14.aspx|title=Green Wave Drowns Memphis, 37–14|website=tulanegreenwave.com|date=November 18, 2000 |access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> Scherer was fired as head coach after the 2000 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/abcsports/bcs/s/2000/1120/891444.html|title=Bowl Championship Series – Scherer says goodbye to team after 4–7 season|website=www.espn.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/memphis-fires-rip-scherer/Content?oid=1116761|title=Memphis Fires Rip Scherer|work=Memphis Flyer}}</ref> He left Memphis with a 22–44 record in six seasons as head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/rip-scherer-1.html|title=Rip Scherer Coaching Record|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

===Tommy West era (2001–2009)===
{{Very long|small=left|date=January 2018}}
On November 30, 2000, it was announced that [[Tommy West (American football)|Tommy West]] had been promoted from defensive coordinator to head football coach of the Tigers, the 21st in program history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/new-coach-meets-the-press/Content?oid=1116785|title=New Coach Meets the Press|first=Dennis|last=Freeland|website=Memphis Flyer}}</ref><ref name="espn.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/abcsports/bcs/s/2000/1201/915411.html|title=Bowl Championship Series - Memphis goes West|website=www.espn.com}}</ref> A [[tight end]] at Tennessee from 1972 to 1975 under Bill Battle, West had over twenty years of college football coaching experience at the time he became head coach of the Tigers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southernmiss.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/west_tommy00.html|title=Tommy West Bio|access-date=November 26, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042209/http://www.southernmiss.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/west_tommy00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also had prior head coaching experience, serving as the head coach at [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]] from 1993 to 1998 and at [[Football Championship Subdivision|FCS]] program Chattanooga in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goblueraiders.com/coaches.aspx?rc=35|title=MT Athletics - 2014 Football Coaching Staff|website=www.goblueraiders.com}}</ref> West joined Rip Scherer's Memphis staff as defensive coordinator on January 6, 2000.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/07/sports/transaction.html|title=Transaction|date=January 7, 2000|website=The New York Times}}</ref> West signed a five-year contract paying him a base salary of $139,725 annually plus room for incentive bonuses.<ref name="espn.com"/>

Memphis went 5–6 in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2001-schedule.html|title=2001 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> In the season's first game, the Tigers lost to No. 18 Mississippi State by a margin of 30–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scores.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=212460344|title=Memphis vs. Mississippi State - Game Summary - September 3, 2001|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 26, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031224/http://scores.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=212460344|url-status=dead}}</ref> After picking up their first win of the season with a 43–10 shellacking of I-AA opponent Chattanooga,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2001/9/8/Tigers_Bury_Chattanooga_43_10.aspx|title=Tigers Bury Chattanooga, 43-10|website=University of Memphis|date=May 24, 2023 }}</ref> West's team picked up its second win of the season with a 17–9 victory over [[South Florida Bulls football|South Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2001/9/22/Tigers_Handle_South_Florida_17_9.aspx|title=Tigers Handle South Florida, 17-9|website=University of Memphis|date=May 24, 2023 }}</ref> After a 38–21 loss to Louisville,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2001/9/29/Tigers_Fall_To_Louisville_38_21_In_C_USA_Opener.aspx|title=Tigers Fall To Louisville, 38-21 In C-USA Opener|website=University of Memphis|date=May 24, 2023 }}</ref> Memphis won their next two, defeating Southern Miss by a score of 22–17<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/10/07/Memphis-22-Southern-Miss-17/7481002427200/|title=Memphis 22, Southern Miss. 17 - UPI Archives|website=UPI}}</ref> and Houston by a one-sided score of 52–33.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2001/10/14/Memphis-52-Houston-33/33631003036114/|title=Memphis 52, Houston 33 - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref> On October 20, the Tigers lost to East Carolina by a margin of 32–11.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/10/20/East-Carolina-32-Memphis-11/5021003550400/|title=East Carolina 32, Memphis 11 - UPI Archives|website=UPI}}</ref> That was followed by a second consecutive loss in the form of a 17–14 nail biter at the hands of UAB.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2001/10/27/Ala-Birmingham-17-Memphis-14/13631004219139/|title=Ala.-Birmingham 17, Memphis 14 - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref> On November 10, the Tigers lost a third straight game, falling to No. 6 Tennessee by a score of 49–28.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2001/11/10/Tennessee-49-Memphis-28/64311005432252/|title=Tennessee 49, Memphis 28 - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref> The following week, West's squad broke its losing streak with a 42–10 pounding of Army.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2001/11/17/Memphis-42-Army-10/10461006038518/|title=Memphis 42, Army 10 - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref> On November 24, Memphis closed the season with a last-second 36–34 loss to Cincinnati.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2001/11/24/Cincinnati-36-Memphis-34/92711006654272/|title=Cincinnati 36, Memphis 34 - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref>

The Tigers finished with a 3–9 record in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2002-schedule.html|title=2002 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> The season began on August 31 with a 52-6 pounding of I-AA opponent Murray State.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gotigersgo.com/news/2002/8/31/Tigers_Roll_Past_Racers_52_6.aspx |title=Tigers Roll Past Racers, 52-6 - University of Memphis Athletics |publisher=Gotigersgo.com |date=2002-08-31 |accessdate=2022-08-06}}</ref> One week later, Memphis lost to Ole Miss by a score of 38–16.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2002/9/7/Football_Falls_To_Mississippi_38_16.aspx?path=football|title=Football Falls To Mississippi, 38-16|newspaper=University of Memphis Athletics}}</ref> In the season's third game, the Tigers lost the Black and Blue Bowl to Southern Miss by a margin of 33–14.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/09/15/Southern-Miss-33-Memphis-14/5951032062400/|title=Southern Miss. 33, Memphis 14 - UPI Archives|website=UPI}}</ref> After a 38–10 victory over Tulane,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tulanegreenwave.com/news/2002/9/21/green_wave_comes_up_short_against_tigers_38_10.aspx|title=Green Wave Comes Up Short Against Tigers, 38-10 - Tulane University|website=Tulane University|date=September 21, 2002 }}</ref> West's team lost their next six, beginning with a 31–17 loss to UAB.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gotigersgo.com/news/2002/9/28/Tigers_Fall_Short_Against_UAB_31_17.aspx?path=football |title=Tigers Fall Short Against UAB, 31-17 - University of Memphis Athletics |publisher=Gotigersgo.com |date=2002-09-28 |accessdate=2022-08-06}}</ref> On October 8, Memphis lost to Louisville by a score of 38–32.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=222810235|title=Louisville vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 8, 2002 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On October 19, the Tigers lost to Mississippi State by a margin of 29–17.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/10/20/Mississippi-St-29-Memphis-17/69621035088629/|title=Mississippi St. 29, Memphis 17 - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref> One week later, Cincinnati defeated Memphis by a margin of 48–10.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/10/26/Cincinnati-48-Memphis-10/84591035678568/|title=Cincinnati 48, Memphis 10 - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref> On November 2, Houston defeated West's Tigers by a score of 26–21.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/11/02/Houston-26-Memphis-21/37681036282244/|title=Houston 26, Memphis 21 - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref> After a 38–21 loss to South Florida,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oocities.org/colosseum/pressbox/8121/dabucsdb/2002usfh.htm|title=Tampa Bay Football History Network - 2002 South Florida Bulls|website=www.oocities.org}}</ref> Memphis notched its third win of the season with a 38–10 win over Army.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/11/23/Memphis-38-Army-10/49431038107626/|title=Memphis 38, Army 10|newspaper=Upi }}</ref> On November 30, the Tigers lost to [[TCU Horned Frogs football|TCU]] by a score of 27–20 to finish the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=223342628|title=Memphis vs. TCU - Game Recap - November 30, 2002|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

Memphis improved to 9–4 in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2003-schedule.html|title=2003 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> In the season opener, the Tigers defeated in-state I-AA foe [[Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles football|Tennessee Tech]] by a score of 40–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=232420235|title=Tennessee Tech vs. Memphis - Game Recap - August 30, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the season's second game, Memphis upset Ole Miss by a count of 44–34.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=232490235|title=Ole Miss vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 6, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 23–6 loss to Southern Miss,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=232562572|title=Memphis vs. Southern Mississippi - Game Recap - September 13, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis defeated Arkansas State by a count of 38–16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=232700235|title=Arkansas State vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 27, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> They then lost their next two, falling to UAB by a margin of 24–10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=232770235|title=UAB vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 4, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and Mississippi State by a score of 35–27.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=232840344|title=Memphis vs. Mississippi State - Game Recap - October 11, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis rebounded to win their next five, starting with a 45–14 victory over Houston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=232910248|title=Memphis vs. Houston - Game Recap - October 18, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> That was followed by a 41–9 win over Tulane.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/scores103/103298/20031025NCAAFTULANE----0.htm|title=Memphis vs. Tulane|website=usatoday30.usatoday.com}}</ref> On November 1, the Tigers defeated East Carolina by a margin of 41–24.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=233050235|title=East Carolina vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 1, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the season's tenth game, West's team defeated Louisville by a score of 37–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=233190097|title=Memphis vs. Louisville - Game Recap - November 15, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> One week later, the Tigers defeated Cincinnati by a score of 21–16.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2003/11/22/COL-FB-Memphis-21-Cincinnati-16/77571069549607/|title=COL FB: Memphis 21, Cincinnati 16 - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enquirer.com/bearcats/2003/11/23/uc2a.html|title=Memphis 21, Cincinnati 16|website=www.enquirer.com}}</ref> In the regular season finale, the Tigers lost a 21–16 game to South Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=233330235|title=South Florida vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 29, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis accepted a berth in the [[2003 New Orleans Bowl]], a game they won over North Texas by a score of 27–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/college-football/recap?gameId=233500249|title=Memphis vs. North Texas - Game Recap - December 17, 2003|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The victory was Memphis' first bowl appearance in a bowl game and first bowl victory in 32 years, since the [[Pasadena Bowl|1971 Pasadena Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://staugustine.com/stories/121703/spo_2004349.shtml#.WhooEkxFyP8|title=Memphis beats North Texas, 27-17|first=Brett|last=Marte|website=staugustine.com|access-date=November 26, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031347/http://staugustine.com/stories/121703/spo_2004349.shtml#.WhooEkxFyP8|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Tigers finished with an 8–4 record in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2004-schedule.html|title=2004 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> They defeated Ole Miss by a margin of 20–13 in the season opener.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=242480145|title=Memphis vs. Ole Miss - Game Recap - September 4, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The next week, West's squad won its second game with a 52–21 rout of I-AA foe Chattanooga.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242550235|title=Chattanooga vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 11, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Entering their next contest as the No. 25 team in the country, they followed that with a third straight win: a 47-35 trouncing of Arkansas State.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242622032|title=Memphis vs. Arkansas State - Game Recap - September 18, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 35–28 loss to UAB,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242690005|title=Memphis vs. UAB - Game Recap - September 25, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> the Tigers defeated Houston 41–14<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242760235|title=Houston vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 2, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and Tulane 49–24.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/242900235|title=Tulane vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 16, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 49–10 blowout loss to Cincinnati<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242972132|title=Memphis vs. Cincinnati - Game Recap - October 23, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and a 56–49 loss to No. 14 Louisville,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=243090235|title=Louisville vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 4, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis won a 30–26 contest over Southern Miss,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amarillo.com/stories/111304/col_587799.shtml#.WhrTKUxFyP8|title=Memphis tops Southern Mississippi|website=amarillo.com}}</ref> a 38–35 game over East Carolina<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/243250151|title=Memphis vs. East Carolina - Game Recap - November 20, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and a 31-15 contest over South Florida.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://articles.latimes.com/2004/nov/28/sports/sp-cfbrdp28|title=Louisville Routs Cincinnati, 70-7|agency=Associated Press|date=November 28, 2004|via=LA Times}}</ref> The Tigers received a berth in the [[2004 GMAC Bowl]], a contest they lost to [[Bowling Green Falcons football|Bowling Green]] by a margin of 52–35.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=243570235|title=Bowling Green vs. Memphis - Game Recap - December 22, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After leading the Tigers to consecutive bowl appearances for the first time in program history, the University of Memphis administration signed West to a raise and one-year contract extension.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=1950884|title=Tiger treat: Memphis' West gets raise, extension|date=December 21, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

Memphis finished 7–5 in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2005-schedule.html|title=2005 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> They started the season on September 5 with a 10–6 loss to Ole Miss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=252480235|title=Ole Miss vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 5, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 59–14 thrashing of I-AA Chattanooga,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/252600235|title=Chattanooga vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 17, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis lost its third game of the season to Tulsa by a margin of 37–31 in overtime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=252670202|title=Memphis vs. Tulsa - Game Recap - September 24, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Tigers defeated [[UTEP Miners football|UTEP]] by a score of 27–20 in the season's fourth game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocregister.com/2005/10/02/palmer-utep-pay-for-their-mistakes-with-a-setback-against-memphis/|title=Palmer, UTEP pay for their mistakes with a setback against Memphis|date=October 2, 2005}}</ref> After a 38–17 defeat at the hands of UCF,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=252812116|title=Memphis vs. UCF - Game Recap - October 8, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> West's team beat Houston 35-20<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gotigersgo.com/news/2005/10/15/Memphis_Upends_Houston_35_20.aspx|title=Memphis Upends Houston, 35-20|website=University of Memphis|date=May 24, 2023 }}</ref> and East Carolina 27–24.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/252950235|title=East Carolina vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 22, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 37–20 loss to UAB<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=253050235|title=UAB vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 1, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and a 20–16 loss to Tennessee,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=252462633|title=UAB vs. Tennessee - Game Recap - September 3, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> West's squad defeated Southern Miss by a margin of 24–22<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=253232572|title=Memphis vs. Southern Mississippi - Game Recap - November 19, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and [[Marshall Thundering Herd football|Marshall]] by a score of 26–3 to finish the regular season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/253300235|title=Marshall vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 26, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis made its third straight bowl appearance with its berth in the [[2005 Motor City Bowl]], defeating [[Akron Zips football|Akron]] by a score of 38–31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=253602006|title=Memphis vs. Akron - Game Recap - December 26, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> During that game, star Tigers running back [[DeAngelo Williams]] set an NCAA record with his 34th career game of at least 100 rushing yards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/26/AR2005122600705.html|title=Williams Sets NCAA Mark As Tigers Roll, Then Hold|date=December 27, 2005|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref> Williams, a senior in 2005 and a finalist for the [[Doak Walker Award]] that year,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/185750|title=Is DeAngelo Williams the Best RB in The NFL?|first=David|last=Scercy|website=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref> was selected in the first round with the 27th overall pick in the [[2006 NFL Draft]] by the [[Carolina Panthers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gotigersgo.com/news/2006/4/29/DeAngelo_Williams_Drafted_By_Carolina_Panthers_in_First_Round.aspx|title=DeAngelo Williams Drafted By Carolina Panthers in First Round|website=University of Memphis|date=May 24, 2023 }}</ref> Kicker [[Stephen Gostkowski]] was also selected in that year's draft, going in the fourth round with the 118th overall pick to the [[New England Patriots]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gotigersgo.com/news/2006/4/30/Stephen_Gostkowski_Drafted_in_the_Fourth_Round_By_New_England.aspx|title=Stephen Gostkowski Drafted in the Fourth Round By New England|website=University of Memphis|date=May 24, 2023 }}</ref>

The Tigers struggled to a 2–10 record in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2006-schedule.html|title=2006 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> They began the season on September 3, losing to Ole Miss by a margin of 28–25.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262450145|title=Memphis vs. Ole Miss - Game Recap - September 3, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 33–14 win over I-AA Chattanooga,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gotigersgo.com/news/2006/9/9/Tigers_Top_Chattanooga_33_14.aspx |title=Tigers Top Chattanooga 33-14 - University of Memphis Athletics |publisher=Gotigersgo.com |date=2006-09-09 |accessdate=2022-08-06}}</ref> Memphis lost nine straight, beginning with a 35–20 defeat to East Carolina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262590151|title=Memphis vs. East Carolina - Game Recap - September 16, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After the East Carolina loss, West fired defensive coordinator [[Joe Lee Dunn]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2006/09/18/Memphis-dumps-defensive-coordinator-Dunn/52091158618176/|title=Memphis dumps defensive coordinator Dunn - UPI.com|website=UPI}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/5424938/tigers-fire-joe-lee-dunn|title=Tigers Fire Joe Lee Dunn|date=September 19, 2006 }}</ref> On September 30, West's team lost to No. 15 Tennessee by a margin of 41–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262730235|title=Tennessee vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 30, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The next week, the Tigers lost to UAB by a score of 35–29.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262800005|title=Memphis vs. UAB - Game Recap - October 7, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 26–23 Paint Bucket Bowl loss to Arkansas State,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262870235|title=Arkansas State vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 14, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis lost to Tulsa by a margin of 35–14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/262940235|title=Tulsa vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 21, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On October 28, the Tigers lost to Marshall by a score of 41–27.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263010276|title=Memphis vs. Marshall - Game Recap - October 28, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Southern Miss then doubled up the Tigers by a score of 42–21.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263090235|title=Southern Mississippi vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 5, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 26–24 loss to UCF,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263150235|title=UCF vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 11, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis suffered a 23–20 overtime loss to Houston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263220235|title=Houston vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 18, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Tigers ended their long losing streak by picking up their second win of the season in the last game with a 38–19 victory over UTEP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263292638|title=Memphis vs. UTEP - Game Recap - November 25, 2006|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

Memphis finished 7–6 in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2007-schedule.html|title=2007 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> After dropping the opener to Ole Miss by a margin of 23–21,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272440235|title=Ole Miss vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 1, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> West's squad defeated I-AA opponent [[Jacksonville State Gamecocks football|Jacksonville State]] by a margin of 35–14 to record their first win of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272580235|title=Jacksonville State vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 15, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After losing to UCF by a margin of 56-20<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272652116|title=Memphis vs. UCF - Game Recap - September 22, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and Arkansas State by a score of 35–31 after blowing a 25-point halftime lead,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272702032|title=Memphis vs. Arkansas State - Game Recap - September 27, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis defeated Marshall by a score of 24–21.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall_sports/marshall-continues-slide-with---loss-to-memphis/article_6b41bd4c-8714-5377-a299-6ec59a21404c.html|title=Marshall continues slide with 24-21 loss to Memphis|first=Anthony|last=Hanshew|website=The Herald-Dispatch|date=October 3, 2007 }}</ref> After a 21–7 loss to in-state foe [[Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football|Middle Tennessee]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272860235|title=Middle Tennessee vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 13, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis beat Rice by a score of 38-35<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272930242|title=Memphis vs. Rice - Game Recap - October 20, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and Tulane by a slim margin of 28–27.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=273002655|title=Memphis vs. Tulane - Game Recap - October 27, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 56–40 loss to East Carolina,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=273070235|title=East Carolina vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 3, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> West's team won three straight, defeating Southern Miss by a margin of 29–26,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=273142572|title=Memphis vs. Southern Mississippi - Game Recap - November 10, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> UAB by a count of 25-9<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/273210235|title=UAB vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 17, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and SMU in a triple-overtime 55–52 shootout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=273280235|title=SMU vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 24, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Tigers made their fourth bowl appearance in five years in the [[2007 New Orleans Bowl]], losing to [[Florida Atlantic Owls football|Florida Atlantic]] by a score of 44–27.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=273550235|title=Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic - Game Recap - December 21, 2007|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

The Tigers went 6–7 in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2008-schedule.html|title=2008 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> They lost their first three games of the season, falling to Ole Miss by a margin of 41–24,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/282430145|title=Memphis vs. Ole Miss - Game Recap - August 30, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Rice by a score of 42-35<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/282500235|title=Rice vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 6, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and Marshall in a 17–16 nail biter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=282570276|title=Memphis vs. Marshall - Game Recap - September 13, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> West's Tigers won their next three, defeating I-AA [[Nicholls State Colonels football|Nicholls State]] by a margin of 31–10,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=282640235|title=Nicholls State vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 20, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Arkansas State by a score of 29–17<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=282710235|title=Arkansas State vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 27, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and UAB in a 33-30 nail biter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=282760005|title=Memphis vs. UAB - Game Recap - October 2, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 35–28 loss to Louisville<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/282840235|title=Louisville vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 10, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and a 30–10 loss to East Carolina,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=282920151|title=Memphis vs. East Carolina - Game Recap - October 18, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis defeated Southern Miss by a count of 36-30<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/282990235|title=Southern Mississippi vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 25, 200|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and SMU by a count of 31–26.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=283132567|title=Memphis vs. SMU - Game Recap - November 8, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 28–21 loss to UCF,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=283270235|title=UCF vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 22, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis finished the regular season with a 45–6 thrashing of Tulane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=283340235|title=Tulane vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 29, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Tigers made their fifth bowl appearance in six years in the [[2008 St. Petersburg Bowl]], losing to South Florida in a 41–14 rout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=283550058|title=Memphis vs. South Florida - Game Recap - December 20, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

Memphis regressed to a 2–10 record in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2009-schedule.html|title=2009 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> They were trounced by No. 8 Ole Miss in the season opener, losing 45–14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=292490235|title=Ole Miss vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 6, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 31–14 loss to Middle Tennessee,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=292552393|title=Memphis vs. Middle Tennessee - Game Recap - September 12, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> West's squad earned its first win of the season with a 41–14 win over in-state FCS opponent [[UT Martin Skyhawks football|UT Martin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292620235|title=Tennessee-Martin vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 19, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 27–16 loss to Marshall<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=292690235|title=Marshall vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 26, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and a 32–14 defeat at the hands of UCF,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=292762116|title=Memphis vs. UCF - Game Recap - October 3, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> the Tigers defeated UTEP by a score of 35–20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=292830235|title=UTEP vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 10, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis lost its final six games of the season, beginning with a 36–16 defeat to Southern Miss on October 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/292902572|title=Memphis vs. Southern Mississippi - Game Recap - October 17, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On October 27, West's team lost to East Carolina by a count of 38–19.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=293000235|title=East Carolina vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 27, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On November 7, the Tigers lost to in-state foe Tennessee by a score of 56–28.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=293112633|title=Memphis vs. Tennessee - Game Recap - November 7, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

On November 10, 2009, it was announced that Tommy West would be fired as Memphis head coach after the completion of the 2009 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4637456|title=Memphis ousts West in midst of two-win season|date=November 9, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/nov/09/tommy-west-fired-memphis-tigers-football-coach/|title=Tommy West fired as Memphis Tigers football coach|author=Phil Stukenborg|work=MCA}}</ref> At the press conference announcing his firing, West vented his frustration about lack of financial and fan support and said that if the University of Memphis athletics department did not show more commitment to the football program, the program did not have "a fighting chance".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2009/11/9/1122706/memphis-fires-football-coach-tommy|title=Memphis Coach Tommy West: Give Em A Chance Or Get Out|website=SBNation.com|date=November 9, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2009/11/10/1645167/there-is-truth-in-tommy-wests-rant|title=There Is Truth in Tommy West's Rant|date=November 10, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9864694/tommy_west_fighting_chance/ |title=In C-USA, fans are optional |first=Iliana |last=Limón |url-access=limited |newspaper=[[The Orlando Sentinel]] |via=newspapers.com |date=November 28, 2009 |access-date=March 28, 2017}}</ref> On November 14, the Tigers lost to UAB by a margin of 31–21.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=293180235|title=UAB vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 14, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> That was followed by a 55–14 thrashing at the hands of No. 24 Houston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=293250248|title=Memphis vs. Houston - Game Recap - November 21, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the last game of the season, Memphis lost a nail biter to Tulsa by a score of 33–30 in overtime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=293310202|title=Memphis vs. Tulsa - Game Recap - November 27, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> West left Memphis with a 49–61 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/tommy-west-1.html|title=Tommy West Coaching Record|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref>

===Larry Porter era (2010–2011)===
{{Very long|small=left|date=January 2018}}
On November 29, 2009, [[LSU Tigers football|LSU]] running backs coach Larry Porter was named the 22nd head football coach for the University of Memphis football program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4698493|title=Memphis Tigers hire LSU Tigers' Larry Porter to rebuild program|work=ESPN.com|date=November 29, 2009}}</ref> Although he had no head coaching or coordinating experience, Porter was a well-regarded recruiter and running backs coach who had played running back for the Tigers from 1990 to 1993 under Chuck Stobart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/larry_porter_1037970.html|title=Larry Porter|website=auburntigers.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107031445/http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/larry_porter_1037970.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Porter's hiring made him the first [[African American|African-American]] head coach in the history of Memphis football.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.knoxnews.com/sports/359064081.html/|title=University of Memphis officially introduces Larry Porter as football coach|website=knoxnews.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Porter signed a five-year contract worth a base salary of $750,000 annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.usatoday.com/2016/04/17/tennessees-college-coaches-raking-in-millions/|title=Tennessee's college coaches raking in millions|date=April 17, 2016|website=usatoday.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030810/http://sports.usatoday.com/2016/04/17/tennessees-college-coaches-raking-in-millions/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Tigers struggled tremendously under Porter as fan support, attendance and revenue fell.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/nov/28/wait-until-next-year-to-judge-porter/|title=Geoff Calkins: Memphis Tigers coach Larry Porter making job tougher than it has to be|author=Geoff Calkins|work=MCA}}</ref>

The Tigers went 1–11 in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2010-schedule.html|title=2010 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> They kicked off the Porter era on September 4 against Mississippi State, losing to the Bulldogs by a score of 49–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=302470344|title=Memphis vs. Mississippi State – Game Recap – September 4, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After losing to East Carolina by a margin of 49–27,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=302540151|title=Memphis vs. East Carolina – Game Recap – September 11, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers notched their first win of the Porter era, defeating in-state opponent Middle Tennessee by a score of 24–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=302610235|title=Middle Tennessee vs. Memphis – Game Recap – September 18, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The next week, Memphis lost to UTEP by a score of 16–13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=302682638|title=Memphis vs. UTEP – Game Recap – September 25, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 48–7 blowout loss to Tulsa on October 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=302750235|title=Tulsa vs. Memphis – Game Recap – October 2, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 56–0 shutout defeat at the hands of Louisville,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=302820097|title=Memphis vs. Louisville – Game Recap – October 9, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers suffered a 41–19 defeat in the Black and Blue Bowl to Southern Miss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=302890235|title=Southern Mississippi vs. Memphis – Game Recap – October 16, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> On October 30, Porter's team lost to Houston by a margin of 56–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=303030235|title=Houston vs. Memphis – Game Recap – October 30, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The following week, Memphis suffered another blowout in the form of a 50–14 shellacking by in-state foe Tennessee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303100235|title=Tennessee vs. Memphis – Game Recap – November 6, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers lost to Marshall by a score of 28–13 on November 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303170276|title=Memphis vs. Marshall – Game Recap – November 13, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers suffered a 31–15 loss to UAB<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-uab-jumps-in-front-early-beats-memphis-31-15-2010nov20-story.html|title=UAB jumps in front early, beats Memphis 31–15|agency=Associated Press|website=sandiegouniontribune.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|date=November 21, 2010}}</ref> and a 37–17 defeat at the hands of UCF to close the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303310235|title=UCF vs. Memphis – Game Recap – November 27, 2010 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>

Memphis finished 2–10 in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2011-schedule.html|title=2011 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers started the season with two blowout losses, 59–14 to No. 20 Mississippi State<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312440235|title=Mississippi State vs. Memphis – Game Recap – September 1, 2011 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and 47–3 to Arkansas State.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312532032|title=Memphis vs. Arkansas State – Game Recap – September 10, 2011 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers won their third game of the season, defeating FCS in-state opponent [[Austin Peay Governors football|Austin Peay]] by a score of 27–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ovcsports.com/news/2011/9/18/45223.aspx|title=Football Recaps – Sept. 17|website=ovcsports.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 42–0 shutout loss to SMU,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/312670235|title=SMU vs. Memphis – Game Recap – September 24, 2011 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers lost to Middle Tennessee by a margin of 38–31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312742393|title=Memphis vs. Middle Tennessee – Game Recap – October 1, 2011 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> On October 8, Porter's team lost to Rice by a score of 28–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312810242|title=Memphis vs. Rice – Game Recap – October 8, 2011 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The next week, Memphis lost to East Carolina by a count of 35–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312880235&redirected=true|title=East Carolina vs. Memphis – Game Recap – October 15, 2011 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Porter's Tigers got their second win of the season on October 22 with a 33–17 victory over Tulane, their foes from down the Mississippi River.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312952655|title=Memphis vs. Tulane – Game Recap – October 22, 2011 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 41–0 shutout shellacking to UCF,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=313022116|title=Memphis vs. UCF – Game Recap – October 29, 2011 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> the Tigers lost a closer contest to UAB by a score of 41–35.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=313160235|title=UAB vs. Memphis – Game Recap – November 12, 2011 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> After a 23–22 loss to Marshall,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=313210235|title=Marshall vs. Memphis – Game Recap – November 17, 2011 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis closed the season with a 44–7 crushing to Southern Miss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wlox.com/story/16128043/usm-routs-memphis-44-7-for-east-title?clienttype=printable|title=USM breezes past Memphis 44–7 for East title – WLOX.com – The News for South Mississippi|website=www.wlox.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030417/http://www.wlox.com/story/16128043/usm-routs-memphis-44-7-for-east-title?clienttype=printable|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On November 27, 2011, Porter was fired as Tigers head coach after only having won three games during his two-year tenure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7286429/memphis-tigers-fire-coach-larry-porter-2-10-season|title=Memphis fires coach Porter after 2–10 season|website=espn.com|access-date=November 7, 2017|date=November 27, 2011}}</ref> For his buyout, Memphis owed Porter a total of $754,890 annually for the remaining four years of his contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyhelmsman.com/archives/university-to-pay-more-than-million-combined-to-departing-johnson/article_b0ec27b1-48d3-5054-b0e5-a4057bd6158d.html|title=University to pay more than $2,6 million combined to departing Johnson, Porter|first=Chelsea|last=Boozer|website=dailyhelmsman.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Porter's tenure as Memphis head coach is regarded as one of the worst head coaching tenures in the history of college football.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2579467-undefeated-and-underrated-memphis-is-truly-americas-college-football-team|title=Undefeated and Underrated: Memphis Is Truly America's College Football Team|first=Adam|last=Kramer|website=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://athlonsports.com/college-football/25-worst-college-football-coaching-tenures-bcs-era|title=25 Worst College Football Coaching Tenures of the BCS Era|newspaper=Athlonsports.com &#124; Expert Predictions, Picks, and Previews |date=January 30, 2014 }}</ref> During Larry Porter's two years, Memphis finished at or near the bottom of the [[Football Bowl Subdivision|FBS]] in nearly every offensive and defensive statistical category.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/208475-memphis-fires-head-coach-larry-porter|title=Memphis fires head coach Larry Porter|date=November 27, 2011|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=December 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225202953/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/208475-memphis-fires-head-coach-larry-porter|url-status=dead}}</ref> Porter amassed a 3–21 record as head coach of the Tigers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/larry-porter-1.html|title=Larry Porter Coaching Record|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>

===Justin Fuente era (2012–2015)===
{{Very long|small=left|date=January 2018}}
[[File:Justin Fuente Virginia Tech @ Old Dominion.jpg|thumb|Coach Fuente]]
On December 8, 2011, TCU offensive coordinator [[Justin Fuente]] was formally introduced as the Tigers' 23rd head coach.<ref name="ESPNhire2">{{cite news |title=Justin Fuente is Memphis' new coach |agency=Associated Press |url=http://espn.go.com/dallas/ncf/story/_/id/7330918/memphis-tigers-hire-justin-fuente-tcu-horned-frogs-new-coach |work=ESPN.com |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The 35-year old Fuente, who had no prior head coaching experience, had spent the previous five years at TCU as an assistant, including serving as offensive coordinator for the final three years under [[Gary Patterson]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gofrogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/fuente_justin00.html|title=Justin Fuente|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030738/http://www.gofrogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/fuente_justin00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> During his time as offensive coordinator for the Horned Frogs, Fuente oversaw a [[spread offense]] that was among the nation's most explosive, helped TCU to an appearance in the [[2010 Fiesta Bowl]] and a victory in the [[2011 Rose Bowl]] and coached one of the nation's best quarterbacks in [[Andy Dalton]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2011/dec/8/memphis-to-introduce-tcus-fuente-as-football-coach/|title=Memphis to Introduce TCU's Fuente as Football Coach|website=Memphis Daily News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypress.com/sports/teel-blog/dp-teel-time-andy-dalton-fuente-post.html|title=Still tight with Justin Fuente, Andy Dalton is new Virginia Tech fan|first=David|last=Teel|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040941/http://www.dailypress.com/sports/teel-blog/dp-teel-time-andy-dalton-fuente-post.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Fuente signed a five-year contract with the University of Memphis that paid him a base salary of $900,000 annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/dallas/ncf/story/_/id/7330918/memphis-tigers-hire-justin-fuente-tcu-horned-frogs-new-coach|title=Memphis hires TCU assistant Fuente as coach|date=December 8, 2011}}</ref>

On February 8, 2012, it was announced the University of Memphis would end its 17-year run in Conference USA and join the [[Big East Conference (1979–2013)|Big East Conference]] in all sports, effective July 1, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7551260/memphis-tigers-joining-big-east-2013-14-season|title=Memphis joining Big East for 2013-14 season|date=February 7, 2012}}</ref> On July 1, 2013, the non-football playing schools (also known collectively as the secular Catholic 7) formed a non-football playing conference that retains the Big East Conference name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/bigeast/2013/03/08/catholic-7-seven-split/1970647/|title=Big East, Catholic 7 confirm split is official|website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> The remaining six football-playing members joined with four schools from other conferences to become the [[American Athletic Conference]] (AAC) as the legal successor of the original Big East; the AAC retains the Big East's football structure and inherited its single automatic berth in the Bowl Championship Series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/9130997/former-big-east-named-american-athletic-conference|title=Former Big East becomes American Athletic|date=April 3, 2013}}</ref>

The Tigers finished 4–8 in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2012-schedule.html|title=2012 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> They began the season on September 1 with a 20–17 loss to FCS in-state opponent UT Martin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com.au/college-football/recap?gameId=322450235|title=Tennessee-Martin vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 1, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the season's second game, Memphis lost the Paint Bucket Bowl to Arkansas State by a margin of 33–28.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=322522032&redirected=true|title=Memphis vs. Arkansas State - Game Recap - September 8, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On September 15, Fuente's Tigers lost to in-state foe Middle Tennessee by a margin of 48–30.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=322590235|title=Middle Tennessee vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 15, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 38–14 loss to [[Duke Blue Devils football|Duke]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=322660150|title=Memphis vs. Duke - Game Recap - September 22, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> the Tiger recorded their first win under Fuente, defeating Rice by a score of 14–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?id=322800235|title=Rice vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 6, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On October 13, Memphis lost to East Carolina by a margin of 41–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/east-carolina-41-memphis-7-48853185-101312|title=East Carolina 41, Memphis 7|date=October 13, 2012}}</ref> The following week, UCF defeated Fuente's squad by a score of 35–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/10/20/3532724/ucf-vs-memphis-2012-final-score-recap|title=UCF races out to 35-17 win over Memphis|date=October 21, 2012}}</ref> On October 27, the Tigers lost to SMU by a score of 44–13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=323012567|title=Memphis vs. SMU - Game Recap - October 27, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 38–28 defeat at the hands of Marshall,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/323080276?redirected=true|title=Memphis vs. Marshall - Game Recap - November 3, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis recorded its second win of the season with a 37–23 victory over Tulane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=323150235&redirected=true|title=Tulane vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 10, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Tigers got a second consecutive win the following week in the form of a 46–9 shellacking of UAB.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=323220005|title=Memphis vs. UAB - Game Recap - November 17, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Tigers extended their winning streak to three in the season's final game with a 42–24 win in the Black and Blue Bowl over winless rival Southern Miss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcsports.com/washington/memphis-beats-winless-southern-miss-42-24|title=Memphis beats winless Southern Miss 42-24|date=November 24, 2012}}</ref> On February 13, 2013, Memphis announced it had signed Justin Fuente to a one-year contract extension through the 2017 season as a result of improvement shown by the team in his first year as head coach, as evidenced by the team winning more games in 2012 than in the previous two seasons combined.<ref name="MEMextended">{{cite news |title=Memphis extends Justin Fuente |agency=Associated Press |url=http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8945165/memphis-tigers-coach-justin-fuente-receives-one-year-contract-extension-2017 |work=ESPN.com |date=February 13, 2013 |access-date=February 14, 2013}}</ref>

Memphis finished with a 3–9 record in 2013, their first season as members of the American Athletic Conference.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2013-schedule.html|title=2013 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> The Tigers kicked off the season at home against Duke, losing to the Blue Devils by a margin of 28–14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=332500235|title=Duke vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 7, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The next week, they lost to Middle Tennessee by a score of 17–15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=332572393|title=Memphis vs. Middle Tennessee - Game Recap - September 14, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Fuente's team got its first win in the season's third game by defeating Arkansas State by a score of 31–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=332780235|title=UCF vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 5, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On October 12, the Tigers lost to Houston by a score of 25–15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=332850248|title=Memphis vs. Houston - Game Recap - October 12, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The next week, Fuente's squad lost to SMU by a margin of 34–29.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=332920235|title=SMU vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 19, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 34–21 loss to Cincinnati,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=333030235|title=Cincinnati vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 30, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> the Tigers defeated SMU by a score of 21–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=333130235|title=Tennessee-Martin vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 9, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> They won a second consecutive game the following week by defeating South Florida by a margin of 23–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=333200058|title=Memphis vs. South Florida - Game Recap - November 16, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Kicker [[Jake Elliott]] set a Memphis record for his 56-yard field goal on the road at USF.<ref name="gotigersgo.com9">{{Cite web|url=https://gotigersgo.com/sports/football/roster/jake-elliott/4135|title=Jake Elliott - 2016 - Football|website=University of Memphis Athletics}}</ref> This new Tigers record broke the old school record set by Stephen Gostkowski who hit a 53-yard field goal 2005.<ref name="gotigersgo.com9"/> He also was recognized by including being named the American Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week and also one of three players to be named "Stars of the Week" by [[Lou Groza Award]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2016/11/07/memphis-jake-elliott-riley-ferguson-earn-aac-awards/93419602/|title=Memphis' Jake Elliott, Riley Ferguson earn AAC awards|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> On November 23, the Tigers lost a close 24–17 game to No. 21 Louisville.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=333270097|title=Memphis vs. Louisville - Game Recap - November 23, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> That was followed by a 41–21 loss to [[Temple Owls football|Temple]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=333340235|title=Temple vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 30, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the final game of the season, Memphis got blown out by [[UConn Huskies football|UConn]] by a score of 45–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=333410041|title=Memphis vs. Connecticut - Game Recap - December 7, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

The Tigers improved to a 10–3 record in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2014-schedule.html|title=2014 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> In the season's first game, the Tigers crushed in-state FCS opponent Austin Peay by a whopping 63–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547645|title=Austin Peay vs. Memphis - Game Recap - August 30, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 42–35 loss to No. 11 [[UCLA Bruins football|UCLA]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547652|title=Memphis vs. UCLA - Game Recap - September 6, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Fuente's squad handled Middle Tennessee by a margin of 36–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547670|title=Middle Tennessee vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 20, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 24–3 loss to Ole Miss,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547676|title=Memphis vs. Ole Miss - Game Recap - September 27, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis defeated Cincinnati by a margin of 41–14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547683|title=Memphis vs. Cincinnati - Game Recap - October 4, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a nail biting 28–24 loss to Houston,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547690|title=Houston vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 11, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> the Tigers won their final seven games of the season, beginning with a 48–10 pounding of SMU.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547699|title=Memphis vs. SMU - Game Recap - October 25, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On Halloween, the Tigers doubled by Tulsa to the tune of 40–20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547701|title=Tulsa vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 31, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The next week, Fuente led the Tigers to a close 16–13 victory over Temple.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400550749|title=Memphis vs. Temple - Game Recap - November 7, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> That was followed by a 38–7 thrashing of Tulane on November 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547711|title=Memphis vs. Tulane - Game Recap - November 15, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> One week later, Memphis defeated South Florida by a margin of 31–20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547718|title=South Florida vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 22, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Tigers closed the regular season with a 41–10 rout over UConn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400547723|title=Connecticut vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 29, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Fuente's Tigers accepted a berth in the inaugural [[2014 Miami Beach Bowl]], where they defeated [[BYU Cougars football|BYU]] in a 55–48 overtime thriller.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400610225|title=BYU vs. Memphis - Game Recap - December 22, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis finished the season as co-champions of the AAC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theamerican.org/news/2014/11/29/FB_1129141459.aspx?path=football|title=Memphis Clinches Share of Conference Championship with Win Over UConn, 41-10|date=November 29, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theamerican.org/news/2014/12/18/FB_1218143422.aspx|title=American Athletic Conference - American Announces Football Schedule Format for 2015-18|website=theamerican.org|date=December 18, 2014 }}</ref> This was the first football conference championship for the Memphis Tigers since the 1971 Missouri Valley Conference championship and only their second 10-win season since 1938.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/TigerBlue/archives/2014/11/29/tigers-beat-uconn-clinch-aac-championship|title=Tigers Beat UConn, Clinch AAC Championship|first=Frank|last=Murtaugh}}</ref> The Tigers finished the season ranked No. 25 in both the [[AP Poll|AP]] and the Coaches Polls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/1/13/7536455/college-football-rankings-top-25-final-2014-2015|title=Buckeyes No. 1 in composite top 25, of course|date=January 13, 2015}}</ref> Fuente was named a finalist for the [[Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year]] award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wreg.com/2014/12/08/tigers-coach-up-for-national-honor/|title=Tigers coach up for national honor|date=December 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://memphis.247sports.com/Bolt/Fuente-one-of-eight-finalists-for-Eddie-Robinson-Award-33686737 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20141230154631/http://memphis.247sports.com/Bolt/Fuente-one-of-eight-finalists-for-Eddie-Robinson-Award-33686737 | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 30, 2014 | title=Fuente one of eight finalists for Eddie Robinson Award | work=[[247Sports.com]] | date=8 December 2014 | access-date=29 November 2015 | author=Milner, Grant}}</ref> During his sophomore year, Jake Elliott led the American Athletic Conference in per game scoring, averaging 9.2 points throughout his season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theamerican.org/news/2016/10/5/FB_1005164107.aspx|title=American Athletic Conference - Memphis' Jake Elliott|website=www.theamerican.org|date=October 5, 2016 }}</ref> For the second year in a row, he was named First Team All-Conference as well as being named Conference Special Teams Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=129736&draftyear=2017&genpos=K|title=Jake Elliott&nbsp;-&nbsp;Memphis,&nbsp;K :&nbsp;2017 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile|website=www.draftscout.com}}</ref> He scored 120 points during his season, making 21-of-32 field goal attempts while also converting all 57 extra point conversions. Elliott kicked the fourth longest field goal in bowl game history. The kick was a 54-yard attempt, which extended the Tigers into a second overtime where they won the Miami Beach Bowl in double overtime over BYU by a score of 55–48.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2019/8/05/20555662/wild-one-memphis-edges-byu-in-double-overtime-thriller-at-miami-beach-bowl|title=Wild one: Memphis edges BYU in double-overtime thriller at Miami Beach Bowl|first=Jeff|last=Call|date=December 22, 2014|website=Deseret News}}</ref> On December 18, 2014, it was announced that the University of Memphis administration signed Justin Fuente to another contract extension and raise, increasing his annual pay to $1.4 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/12047562/memphis-justin-fuente-agrees-contract-extension|title=Memphis' Fuente agrees to contract extension|date=December 18, 2014}}</ref>

Memphis went 9–4 in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2015-schedule.html|title=2015 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> The Tigers' season kicked off on September 5 with a 63–7 romp over FCS opponent [[Missouri State Bears football|Missouri State]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400764859|title=Missouri State vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 5, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> One week later, the Tigers dominated [[Kansas Jayhawks football|Kansas]] with 651 yards of total offense in a 55–23 rout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400763410|title=Memphis vs. Kansas - Game Recap - September 12, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the season's third game, Fuente's team edged Bowling Green by a margin of 44–41.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400764864|title=Memphis vs. Bowling Green - Game Recap - September 19, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> That was followed by a 53–46 victory over Cincinnati on September 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400764870|title=Cincinnati vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 24, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the season's fifth game, Memphis defeated South Florida by a score of 24–17 to extend their winning streak to twelve games dating back to the previous season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400764875|title=Memphis vs. South Florida - Game Recap - October 2, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On October 17, 2015, Memphis, led by quarterback [[Paxton Lynch]], upset No. 13 Ole Miss 37–24 at the Liberty Bowl, catapulting the team into the national spotlight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400603894|title=Ole Miss vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 17, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The victory was the Tigers' first over a ranked team since 1996, when they defeated No. 6 Tennessee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/memphis-upsets-ole-miss-sec-justin-fuenete-paxton-lynch/xeqyhoejwda21b76w7iwd7t11|title=Memphis stuns No. 13 Ole Miss for first win vs. ranked team since 1996|date=October 18, 2015}}</ref> The 6–0 Tigers entered the AP Poll the following day at No. 18 having been ranked in the Coaches Poll for the previous two weeks, the highest AP Poll ranking in Memphis football history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/tigers/football/Memphis-surges-to-highest-AP-football-ranking-in-school-history-333866311.html|title=Memphis surges to highest AP football ranking in school history|website=www.commercialappeal.com}}</ref> On October 23, the Tigers defeated Tulsa by a score of 66–42 behind Paxton Lynch's career-high 447 passing yards and four touchdown passes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400764891|title=Memphis vs. Tulsa - Game Recap - October 23, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On Halloween, the Tigers winning streak was extended to fifteen with a 41–13 victory over Tulane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400764898|title=Tulane vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 31, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On November 3, 2015, an undefeated (8–0) Memphis team was ranked No. 13 in the season's first [[College Football Playoff]] poll, the highest ranking of any non-[[Power Five conferences|Power Five]] team in the poll's history and the highest national ranking in Memphis football history.<ref name="ESPN CFP">{{cite news|title=2015 NCAA College Football Polls and Rankings for Week 10|url=http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/21/seasontype/2/year/2015/week/10|work=ESPN.com|date=November 3, 2015}}</ref> The Tigers' unprecedented winning streak was snapped, however, with a 45–20 loss to [[Navy Midshipmen football|Navy]] on November 7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400764904|title=Navy vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 7, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis suffered a second consecutive loss the following week in a 35–34 defeat to No. 16 Houston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400764908|title=Memphis vs. Houston - Game Recap - November 14, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On November 20, 2015, it was reported that the University of Memphis offered another contract extension to Fuente that would've made him the highest paid non-Power Five head coach in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2015/11/20/memphis-football-justin-fuente-contract-offer|title=Report: Memphis makes an offer to Justin Fuente|newspaper=Sports Illustrated |date=November 20, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/tigers/football/memphis-has-made-lucrative-contract-offer-to-keep-fuente-24fc2adb-af3c-4cc2-e053-0100007f5450-352328771.html|title=Memphis has made 'extraordinary offer' to keep Fuente|website=www.commercialappeal.com}}</ref> On November 21, Fuente's team lost a third straight game, falling to Temple by a margin of 31–12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400764915|title=Memphis vs. Temple - Game Recap - November 21, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Tigers got back on track in the season's final game on November 28, demolishing SMU in a 63–0 shutout behind Paxton Lynch's record-tying seven touchdown passes in the game's first half.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400764920|title=SMU vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 28, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

On November 29, 2015, Justin Fuente resigned as Memphis head coach to accept the same position at Virginia Tech.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/14251230/virginia-tech-hokies-hire-justin-fuente-succeed-frank-beamer-football-coach|title=Virginia Tech hires Fuente to succeed Beamer|date=November 29, 2015}}</ref> Offensive coordinator [[Darrell Dickey]] was named interim head coach for the [[2015 Birmingham Bowl (December)|2015 Birmingham Bowl]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-memphis-begins-search-names-dickey-interim-head-2015nov29-story.html|title=Memphis begins search, names Dickey interim head coach|agency=Associated Press|date=November 29, 2015}}</ref> a game the Tigers lost to Auburn by a score of 31–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400852727|title=Auburn vs. Memphis - Game Recap - December 30, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In April 2016, Paxton Lynch was selected by the [[Denver Broncos]] in the first round of the [[2016 NFL Draft]] with the 26th overall selection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/20080/broncos-pick-memphis-quarterback-paxton-lynch-in-first-round|title=Broncos pick Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch in first round|date=April 29, 2016}}</ref> Fuente left Memphis with a 26–23 record,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/justin-fuente-1.html|title=Justin Fuente Coaching Record|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/source-virginia-tech-hire-memphis-justin-fuente-coach/story?id=35463622|title=Source: Virginia Tech to hire Memphis' Justin Fuente as coach|author=<!--Not stated-->|website=ABC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.actionnews5.com/story/30621044/reports-fuente-to-leave-memphis-become-virginia-tech-head-coach|title=Reports: Fuente to leave Memphis, become Virginia Tech head coach|first=Jacob|last=Gallant|date=November 29, 2015|website=www.actionnews5.com}}</ref> becoming the first head coach in 41 years, since Fred Pancoast, to leave Memphis with a winning record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/TigerBlue/archives/2015/11/29/sweet-sorrow|title=Sweet Sorrow: Fuente Says Farewell to Memphis|first=Frank|last=Murtaugh}}</ref>

===Mike Norvell era (2016–2019)===
[[File:Head Coach - Mike Norvell (cropped).jpg|thumb|Coach Norvell]]
On December 4, 2015, [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State]] offensive coordinator [[Mike Norvell]] was introduced as the 24th head football coach of the Memphis Tigers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/14292163/memphis-tigers-introduce-mike-norvell-new-head-coach|title=Norvell 'perfect person' to lead Memphis, AD says|website=espn.com|date=December 4, 2015 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/tigers/football/Quick-report-from-Mike-Norvells-introductory-press-conference-as-Tiger-foobtb-360619241.html|title=Mike Norvell introduced as new Memphis coach}}</ref> The youngest [[Football Bowl Subdivision|FBS]] head coach in the nation at the time of his hiring (aged 34),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://theathletic.com/94316/2017/09/05/a-day-in-the-life-of-mike-norvell-and-memphis-football/|title=A day in the life of Mike Norvell and Memphis football|work=The New York Times |access-date=November 7, 2017 |last1=Vannini |first1=Chris }}</ref> Norvell had overseen one of the nation's most explosive offenses at [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State]] under [[Todd Graham]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.commercialappeal.com/sports/tigers/football-insider/Meet-Mike-Norvell-your-new-Memphis-Tigers-football-coach-360561851.html|title=Meet Mike Norvell, your new Memphis Tigers football coach|website=commercialappeal.com|date=July 21, 2015 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Like [[Justin Fuente]], Norvell was a young, up-and-coming offensive coordinator who employed an up-tempo, pass-oriented [[spread offense]] and brought the high-octane system with him to Memphis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyhelmsman.com/sports/breaking-down-new-memphis-football-coach-mike-norvell-s-offense/article_b0c27d5c-9b8a-11e5-92a0-ffa0b72f4194.html|title=Breaking down new Memphis football coach Mike Norvell's offense|first=Chip|last=Williams|website=dailyhelmsman.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>
One of Norvell's first moves as head coach was to retain [[Darrell Dickey]] from Fuente's staff, naming him associate head coach/co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gotigersgo.com/news/2017/1/15/football-norvell-announces-staff-promotions.aspx|title=Norvell Announces Staff Promotions|website=University of Memphis|date=May 24, 2023 }}</ref> The University of Memphis signed Norvell to a five-year contract that paid him a base salary of $1.8 million for his first year that would increase slightly each year for the duration of the contract.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/tigers/football/Norvells-contract-5-year-deal-18-million-in-first-year-362513841.html|title=Norvell's contract: 5-year deal, $1.8 million in first year|website=www.commercialappeal.com}}</ref>

The Tigers finished with an 8–5 record in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2016-schedule.html|title=2016 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> With [[Riley Ferguson]] taking over as the team's starting quarterback,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/ut/2016/08/26/riley-ferguson-tennessee-vol-fence-builder-memphis-qb/89441796/|title=Riley Ferguson: From Tennessee Vol to fence builder to Memphis QB|website=tennessean.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis began the Norvell era with a 35–17 victory over [[Football Championship Subdivision|FCS]] opponent [[Southeast Missouri State Redhawks football|Southeast Missouri State]] on September 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/ncf/id/17461147|title=Ferguson leads Memphis over Southeast Missouri State 35–17|website=espn.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The next week, Norvell's team defeated [[Kansas Jayhawks football|Kansas]] by a margin of 43–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869520|title=Kansas vs. Memphis – Game Recap – September 17, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> In the season's third game, the Tigers obliterated [[Bowling Green Falcons football|Bowling Green]] by a whopping 77–3 behind Ferguson's six passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in the game's first half.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869287|title=Bowling Green vs. Memphis – Game Recap – September 24, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> On October 1, [[Ole Miss Rebels football|Ole Miss]] handed Memphis its first loss of the season in a 48–28 rout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869015|title=Memphis vs. Ole Miss – Game Recap – October 1, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Five days later, the Tigers defeated [[Temple Owls football|Temple]] by a score of 34–27.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869531|title=Temple vs. Memphis – Game Recap – October 6, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> That was followed by a 24–14 victory over [[Tulane Green Wave football|Tulane]] on October 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869538|title=Memphis vs. Tulane – Game Recap – October 14, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis lost its next two; dropping a 42–28 contest to #24 [[Navy Midshipmen football|Navy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869546|title=Memphis vs. Navy – Game Recap – October 22, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and a 59–30 blowout to [[Tulsa Golden Hurricane football|Tulsa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869552|title=Tulsa vs. Memphis – Game Recap – October 29, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> On November 5, the Tigers pounded [[SMU Mustangs football|SMU]] by an overwhelming 51–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869556|title=Memphis vs. SMU – Game Recap – November 5, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The next week, Norvell's Tigers lost a shootout to [[South Florida Bulls football|South Florida]] by a margin of 49–42.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869559|title=South Florida vs. Memphis – Game Recap – November 12, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> They closed the regular season with a 34–27 win over [[Cincinnati Bearcats football|Cincinnati]] on November 18<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869563|title=Memphis vs. Cincinnati – Game Recap – November 18, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> and a 48–44 victory over #18 [[Houston Cougars football|Houston]] in a shootout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869568|title=Houston vs. Memphis – Game Recap – November 25, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The Tigers accepted a berth in the [[2016 Boca Raton Bowl]], a game they lost to [[Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football|Western Kentucky]] by a score of 51–31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400876043|title=Memphis vs. Western Kentucky – Game Recap – December 20, 2016 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> In 13 starts in 2016, [[Riley Ferguson]] threw for 3,698 yards and broke [[Paxton Lynch]]'s single-season record with 32 touchdown passes set the previous season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2017/04/20/riley-ferguson-memphis-football-stands-out-leader-spring/100564636/|title=Riley Ferguson's leadership standing out at Memphis|first=Tom|last=Schad|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> After the 2016 season, co-offensive coordinator [[Chip Long]] left the Tigers to take the same position on [[Brian Kelly (American football coach)|Brian Kelly]]'s staff at [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/12/30/chip-long-notre-dame-offensive-coordinator/96011484/|title=Notre Dame hires Chip Long from Memphis to be next offensive coordinator|website=usatoday.com|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> To replace Long, [[Darrell Dickey]] was named the team's sole offensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2017/01/15/tigers-name-darrell-dickey-offensive-coordinator/96618878/|title=Tigers name Darrell Dickey offensive coordinator|website=commercialappeal.com}}</ref> On May 12, 2017, it was announced that the University of Memphis signed Norvell to a one-year contract extension though the 2021 season and gave his assistant coaches raises.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2017/05/12/mike-norvell-receives-contract-extension-assistant-coach-pool-increased/315615001/|title=Mike Norvell receives contract extension at Memphis; assistant coach salary pool increased|first=Tom Schad, Geoff Calkins and Tom|last=Schad|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2017/05/12/memphis-tigers-mike-norvell-contract-extension|title=Memphis signs coach Mike Norvell to extension|date=May 12, 2017 }}</ref> Kicker [[Jake Elliott]] was selected in the fifth round with the 153rd overall pick in the [[2017 NFL Draft]] by the [[Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2017/04/29/bengals-5th-round-153-jake-elliott-k-memphis/101073920/|title=Bengals' 5th round (153): Jake Elliott, K, Memphis|first=Paul Dehner|last=Jr|website=The Enquirer}}</ref>

Memphis went 10–3 in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2017-schedule.html|title=2017 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> They started the season on August 31 with a 37–29 victory over [[Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks football|Louisiana-Monroe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941789|title=Louisiana Monroe vs. Memphis - Game Recap - August 31, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Tigers were supposed to play [[UCF Knights football|UCF]] on September 9, but due to [[Hurricane Irma]], the game, which originally had been moved up one day to September 8,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2017/09/05/hurricane-irma-could-impact-memphis-vs-ucf-game/633094001/|title=Memphis vs. UCF football game now Friday because of Hurricane Irma|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> was rescheduled for September 30.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-hurricane-irma-ucf-schedule-20170914-story.html|title=UCF, Memphis game postponed by Hurricane Irma to be played Sept. 30|first=Iliana Limón Romero, Matt|last=Murschel|website=orlandosentinel.com}}</ref> In order to reschedule the [[American Athletic Conference]] game, Memphis canceled their game with [[Georgia State Panthers football|Georgia State]], leaving the team with only 11 regular season games as opposed to the usual 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2017/09/14/memphis-football-ucf-working-reschedule-game-postponed-hurricane-irma/646023001/|title=Memphis football reschedules UCF game, plans to play Georgia State in 2023 instead|website=commercialappeal.com}}</ref> On September 16, the Tigers picked up a 48–45 upset victory over #25 [[UCLA Bruins football|UCLA]], marking only their second victory over a ranked opponent in 21 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400935270|title=UCLA vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 16, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After a 44–31 victory over [[Football Championship Subdivision]] opponent [[Southern Illinois Salukis football|Southern Illinois]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941805|title=Southern Illinois vs. Memphis - Game Recap - September 23, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Norvell's Tigers suffered their first loss of the season in the form of a 40–13 defeat in the rescheduled [[UCF Knights football|UCF]] game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400985406|title=Memphis vs. UCF - Game Recap - September 30, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On October 6, Memphis obliterated [[UConn Huskies football|UConn]] by a margin of 70–31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941814|title=Memphis vs. UConn - Game Recap - October 6, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> That was followed by a 30–27 victory over #25 [[Navy Midshipmen football|Navy]], marking the first time the Tigers had ever defeated two ranked opponents in a single season in school history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941823|title=Navy vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 14, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Ranked #25 in the country in the AP Poll, the Tigers won their third consecutive contest with an exciting 42–38 win over [[Houston Cougars football|Houston]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941824|title=Memphis vs. Houston - Game Recap - October 19, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> A fourth straight win followed on October 27 with a 56–26 blowout victory over [[Tulane Green Wave football|Tulane]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941830|title=Tulane vs. Memphis - Game Recap - October 27, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Norvell's Tigers made it five in a row with a 41–14 victory over [[Tulsa Golden Hurricane football|Tulsa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941835|title=Memphis vs. Tulsa - Game Recap - November 3, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On November 18, the Tigers defeated [[SMU Mustangs football|SMU]] in a high-scoring 66–45 contest to clinch the [[American Athletic Conference]]'s West Division and a berth in the [[2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941847|title=SMU vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 18, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis finished off the regular season with a 70–13 beat down of [[East Carolina Pirates football|East Carolina]], recording their seventh consecutive victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941852|title=East Carolina vs. Memphis - Game Recap - November 25, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the [[2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game]], the Tigers lost a hard-fought 62–55 double overtime contest to [[UCF Knights football|UCF]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400955151|title=Memphis vs. UCF - Game Recap - December 2, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Memphis accepted a berth in the [[2017 Liberty Bowl]] on their home field, losing the game to [[Iowa State Cyclones football|Iowa State]] by a nail biting margin of 21–20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400953406|title=Iowa State vs. Memphis - Game Recap - December 30, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On December 5, 2017, Memphis signed Norvell to another contract extension, a five-year addition to his deal worth $13 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21680445/mike-norvell-memphis-tigers-sign-contract-extension|title=Norvell inks contract extension with Memphis|website=espn.com|date=December 5, 2017 }}</ref> The extension increased Norvell's annual pay to $2.6 million and made him the highest paid Group of 5 head coach in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2017/12/05/memphis-tigers-mike-norvell-agree-contract-extension/924813001/|title=Memphis, Mike Norvell agree to 5-year, $13 million contract extension|website=commercialappeal.com}}</ref> Following the 2017 season, offensive coordinator [[Darrell Dickey]] left Norvell's staff to take the offensive coordinator position on newly hired head coach [[Jimbo Fisher]]'s staff at [[Texas A&M Aggies football|Texas A&M]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2017/12/11/memphis-offensive-coordinator-darrell-dickey-leaving-job-texas/941269001/|title=Memphis Tigers offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey leaving for job at Texas A&M|newspaper=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> Kenny Dillingham was promoted from graduate assistant to replace Dickey.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2018/06/14/memphis-tigers-football-offensive-coordinator-kenny-dillingham-mike-norvell/698103002/|title=Just 28 years old, Memphis coordinator Kenny Dillingham 'saw myself here'|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> After starting the 2018 season 4–4 overall and 1–3 in conference play, Memphis would win their last 4 games, including a 52–31 victory over Houston in the final week of the regular season to finish in a 3-way tie for first in the West with Houston and Tulane. After tiebreakers, Memphis was awarded with the West conference berth to the [[2018 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game]], facing off against UCF again in Orlando. Despite having a 38–21 lead at the half, the Tigers would only manage to score 3 points in the second half and ended up losing 56–41.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401056699|title=Mack shines, No. 7 UCF beats Memphis 56-41 for AAC title|work=ESPN.com|date=December 2, 2018|access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref> Memphis accepted a berth in the [[2018 Birmingham Bowl]], losing to [[2018 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team|Wake Forest]] 37–34 to finish the season 8–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401032063|title=Memphis vs. Wake Forest - Game Recap - December 22, 2018 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

The 2019 season was one of the best seasons in the program's history, as the Tigers went 11–1 in the regular season and clinched a spot in the [[2019 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game]] on December 7, the team's 3rd championship appearance in a row, this time they went up against [[2019 Cincinnati Bearcats football team|Cincinnati]], whom the Tigers defeated 34-24 the previous week to clinch home-field advantage for the championship game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401117913 |title=No. 17 Memphis tops No. 18 Cincinnati 34-24 to host AAC game |agency=Associated Press |website=ESPN.com |date=November 29, 2019 |access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref> After a back and forth battle between the two teams, Memphis quarterback [[Brady White]] would connect with wide receiver Antonio Gibson for a go-ahead touchdown with 1:14 left in the 4th quarter to give Memphis a 29–24 victory over the Bearcats to win the conference championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401132976|title=Memphis 29-24 Cincinnati (Dec 7, 2019) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> Since they were the highest ranked group of 5 team in the final CFP poll, they were awarded a New Years' 6 bowl berth to the [[2019 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl]] against [[2019 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Penn State]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gotigersgo.com/news/2019/12/8/football-cotton-bowl-bound|title=Cotton Bowl Bound!|website=University of Memphis Athletics}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/sports/college/football/2019/12/07/no-16-memphis-wins-aac/2125749007/|title=No. 16 Memphis wins AAC title, coach heads to Florida State|first=Clay Bailey The Associated|last=Press|website=Times Herald-Record}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/penn-state/penn-state-nittany-lions-accept-invitation-cotton-bowl-memphis-tigers-sixth-straight-under-james-franklin-20191208.html|title=Penn State accepts invitation to Cotton Bowl, will take on AAC champion Memphis|first=Joe|last=Juliano|date=December 8, 2019|website=www.inquirer.com}}</ref>

The next day, Norvell resigned as Memphis head coach to become the new head coach at [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/28246814/mike-norvell-hired-florida-state-new-coach | title=FSU hires Memphis' Norvell as new head coach | date=December 8, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/florida-state-announces-it-has-hired-mike-norvell-from-memphis-to-coach-seminoles/|title=Florida State announced it has hired Mike Norvell from Memphis to coach Seminoles|last=Sallee|first=Barrett|date=December 8, 2019|website=cbssports.com|access-date=December 8, 2019}}</ref> Norvell's .717 winning percentage is the highest in Memphis history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uca.edu/magazine/mike-norvell-hired-as-floridas-head-football-coach/|title=Mike Norvell Hired as Florida State's Head Football Coach – UCA Magazine|website=uca.edu}}</ref> Among Mike Norvell's other accomplishments leading the Tigers football program is becoming the first head coach in program history with multiple ten-win seasons, becoming the first head coach in program history to record four straight winning seasons and becoming the first Tigers head coach to leave without suffering a losing season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/seminoles/2019/12/07/five-things-to-know-about-memphis-mike-norvell-an-fsu-target/|title=Five things to know about Mike Norvell, FSU's next coach|website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref> Norvell's record as Memphis head coach is 38–15.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/college/fsu/football/2019/12/08/fsu-football-coach-mike-norvell-florida-state-memphis-stats-record/4351933002/|title=Florida State football: A statistical look at new FSU coach Mike Norvell|first=Wayne McGahee|last=III|website=Tallahassee Democrat}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/mike-norvell-1.html|title=Mike Norvell College Coaching Records, Awards and Leaderboards|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref>

===Ryan Silverfield era (2019–present)===
On December 8, 2019, hours after Norvell's departure, Memphis offensive line coach and deputy head coach [[Ryan Silverfield]] was named as the Tigers' interim head coach for the [[2019 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl]], and on December 13, the school promoted Silverfield to the head coaching position.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/28255259/memphis-tabs-ryan-silverfield-tigers-interim-coach|title=Memphis tabs Ryan Silverfield as Tigers' interim coach|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=December 8, 2019|access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2019/12/13/ryan-silverfield-hired-memphis-football-coach/2638242001/|title=Memphis hiring Ryan Silverfield as coach, replacing Mike Norvell|publisher=[[USA Today]]|first1=Evan|last1=Barnes|first2=Mark|last2=Giannotto|date=December 13, 2019|access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref> Despite not having any previous coordinator or head coaching experience, Silverfield took over after twenty years of coaching experience at numerous positions on both sides of the ball such as coaching offensive and defensive linemen and quarterbacks, as well as coaching experience at the high school, college and NFL levels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hsc.edu/ryan-silverfield-03|title=Ryan Silverfield '03|website=www.hsc.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ucfknights.com/staff/ryan-silverfield|title=Ryan Silverfield|website=UCF Athletics - Official Athletics Website}}</ref> A popular choice among players to take over the Tigers head coaching position,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/columnists/mark-giannotto/2019/12/13/ryan-silverfield-hired-memphis-football-coach-mike-norvell-tigers/2637109001/|title=New Memphis football coach Ryan Silverfield was the popular choice. But is he the right one?|first=Mark|last=Giannotto|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> Silverfield declared at his introductory press conference that being the Memphis head coach was his "dream job".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wreg.com/sports/silverfield-introduced-as-new-tigers-head-football-coach/|title='This is my dream job:' Silverfield introduced as new Tigers head football coach|date=December 13, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2019/12/13/memphis-tigers-everything-ryan-silverfield-said-after-being-named-football-coach/2638804001/|title=Everything Ryan Silverfield said after being named Memphis Tigers football coach|first=Phil|last=Kaplan|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> When he was hired as head coach, Silverfield signed a five-year contract with the university.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/2019/12/13/ryan-silverfield-hired-as-memphis-head-coach/2087584007/|title=Ryan Silverfield hired as Memphis head coach|first=Evan Barnes and Mark Giannotto Memphis Commercial|last=Appeal|website=The Florida Times-Union}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2019/12/13/memphis-hires-interim-ryan-silverfield-as-tigers-new-coach/40820333/|title=Memphis hires interim Ryan Silverfield as Tigers' new coach|website=USA TODAY}}</ref>

In Silverfield's first season in 2020, the Tigers finished with an 8–3 record.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2020-schedule.html|title=2020 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> They kicked off the season against rival Arkansas State, winning the game 37–24.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401212553|title=Memphis 37-24 Arkansas State (Sep 5, 2020) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> After 30–27 loss to SMU,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401212486|title=SMU 30-27 Memphis (Oct 3, 2020) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> In the season's third game, Memphis overcame a 21-point deficit in the third quarter and defeated UCF 50–49 to post the program's largest-ever come from behind victory.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gotigersgo.com/news/2020/10/17/football-memphis-pulls-off-largest-comeback-in-school-history-in-dramatic-win-over-ucf|title=Tigers Bounce Back Against UCF For Largest Comeback in School History|website=University of Memphis Athletics}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theamerican.org/news/2020/10/17/football-record-setting-comeback-as-memphis-rallies-past-ucf-50-49.aspx|title=Record-Setting Comeback As Memphis Rallies Past UCF, 50-49|date=April 27, 2024|website=theamerican.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2020/10/17/memphis-tigers-football-ucf-golden-knights-live-game-updates-score/5953828002/|title=Memphis 50, UCF 49: 5 things we learned from greatest comeback in Tigers football history|first=Evan|last=Barnes|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> After a 41–29 win over Temple,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/sports/memphis-football-defeats-temple-41-29/522-06735f2d-b649-4697-9d88-dac10c31270d|title=Memphis defeats Temple, 41-29|date=October 24, 2020|website=localmemphis.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2020/10/24/memphis-tigers-football-temple-owls-live-score-game-updates-observations-brady-white/3688501001/|title=Memphis 41, Temple 29: 5 things we learned as Tigers equal school-record home win streak|first=Evan|last=Barnes|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> Silverfield's team lost its second game of the season, a 49–10 blowout loss to rival #7 Cincinnati that was the program's largest margin of defeat since 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2020/10/31/memphis-tigers-football-cincinnati-bearcats-live-score-game-updates/6014902002/|title=Cincinnati 49, Memphis 10: 5 things learned from the Tigers' worst loss since 2011|first=Evan|last=Barnes|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gotigersgo.com/news/2020/10/31/football-memphis-falls-at-no-7-cincinnati|title=Memphis Falls at No. 7 Cincinnati|website=University of Memphis Athletics}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gobearcats.com/news/2020/10/31/football-no-7-cincinnati-beats-memphis.aspx|title=No. 7 Football Moves to 5-0 with 49-10 Win Over Memphis|date=October 31, 2020|website=University of Cincinnati Athletics}}</ref> The Tigers then won three in a row; 34–33 over South Florida,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20201107_SFLA@MEMP/|title=South Florida Bulls vs. Memphis Tigers Live Score and Stats - November 7, 2020 Gametracker|website=CBSSports.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2020/11/07/memphis-tigers-football-south-florida-bulls-live-updates-game-score-observations/6095564002/|title=Memphis 34, USF 33: Five things learned from the Tigers' fourth quarter comeback|first=Evan|last=Barnes|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> 56–14 over FCS opponent [[Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks football|Stephen F. Austin]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theamerican.org/news/2020/11/21/football-memphis-rolls-past-stephen-f-austin-56-14.aspx|title=Memphis Rolls Past Stephen F. Austin, 56-14|date=April 27, 2024|website=theamerican.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2020/11/21/memphis-tigers-football-stephen-f-austin-live-game-updates-score-observations-brady-white/6294992002/|title=Memphis 56, Stephen F. Austin 14: 5 things learned as Calvin Austin III leads the way|first=Evan|last=Barnes|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> and 10–7 over Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theamerican.org/news/2020/11/28/football-memphis-outlasts-navy-10-7-for-first-win-in-annapolis.aspx|title=Memphis Outlasts Navy 10-7 for First Win in Annapolis|date=April 27, 2024|website=theamerican.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/11/28/navy-football-nipped-by-memphis-10-7-in-defensive-struggle/|title=Navy football nipped by Memphis, 10-7, in defensive struggle|date=November 28, 2020}}</ref> After a 35–21 loss to Tulane,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/sports/memphis-football-falls-at-tulane-35-21/522-83076347-1f72-4690-a88b-f3861904b5e6|title=Memphis football falls at Tulane, 35-21|date=December 5, 2020|website=localmemphis.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/gametracker/boxscore/NCAAF_20201205_MEMP@TULANE/|title=Memphis Tigers vs. Tulane Green Wave Live Score and Stats - December 5, 2020 Gametracker|website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> Memphis won its last two games of the season with a 30–27 win over Houston in the regular season finale<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gotigersgo.com/news/2020/12/12/football-riley-patterson-hits-game-winning-field-goal-as-memphis-beats-houston-30-27?mundefined|title=Riley Patterson Hits Game-winning Field Goal as Memphis Beats Houston 30-27|website=University of Memphis Athletics}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20201212_HOU@MEMP/|title=Houston Cougars vs. Memphis Tigers Live Score and Stats - December 12, 2020 Gametracker|website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> and a 25–10 win over [[Florida Atlantic Owls football|Florida Atlantic]] in the [[2020 Montgomery Bowl]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wptv.com/sports/college-sports/florida-atlantic-university/brady-white-memphis-top-fau-25-10-in-montgomery-bowl|title=Brady White, Memphis top FAU 25-10 in Montgomery Bowl|date=December 24, 2020|website=WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2020/12/23/white-memphis-top-florida-atlantic-25-10-in-montgomery-bowl/43298765/|title=White, Memphis top Florida Atlantic 25-10 in Montgomery Bowl|website=USA TODAY}}</ref>

The Tigers went 6–6 in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2021-schedule.html|title=2021 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> The began the season with three victories; 42–17 over FCS opponent [[Nicholls Colonels football|Nicholls State]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theamerican.org/news/2021/9/4/football-memphis-runs-past-nicholls-42-17.aspx|title=Memphis Runs Past Nicholls, 42-17|date=April 27, 2024|website=theamerican.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/23923/football-box-score-memphis-42-nicholls-state-17|title=Box score: Memphis 42, Nicholls State 17|website=Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News &#124; Daily Memphian}}</ref> 55–50 over rival Arkansas State<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401301003|title=Memphis 55-50 Arkansas State (Sep 11, 2021) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> and a 31–29 upset win over Mississippi State.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401282076|title=Memphis 31-29 Mississippi State (Sep 18, 2021) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> Then the Tigers dropped three games in a row; losing 31–28 to [[UTSA Roadrunners football|UTSA]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401282213|title=UTSA 31-28 Memphis (Sep 25, 2021) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> 34–31 to Temple<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401301015|title=Temple 34-31 Memphis (Oct 2, 2021) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> and 35–29 to Tulsa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401301020|title=Tulsa 35-29 Memphis (Oct 9, 2021) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> Silverfield's Tigers then rebounded for a 35–17 win over Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401301022|title=Memphis 35-17 Navy (Oct 14, 2021) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> After a 24–7 loss to UCF,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401301026|title=UCF 24-7 Memphis (Oct 22, 2021) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> Memphis defeated #23 SMU by a score of 28–25.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/25186/memphis-football-box-score-vs-smu|title=Box score: Memphis 28, SMU 25|website=Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News &#124; Daily Memphian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2021/11/06/memphis-football-smu-southern-methodist-score-live-updates/6198998001/|title=What we learned as Memphis hangs on to upset No. 24 SMU|first=Evan|last=Barnes|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> The Tigers then lost back to back games with losses of 30–29 to East Carolina<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401301042|title=East Carolina 30-29 Memphis (Nov 13, 2021) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> and 31–13 to #17 Houston.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401301045|title=Houston 31-13 Memphis (Nov 19, 2021) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> Memphis was invited to play in the [[2021 Hawaii Bowl]] against [[Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football|Hawaii]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/sports/ncaa/tigers-den/the-memphis-tigers-are-going-to-hawaii-easypost-bowl-game-christmas-eve-espn/522-a7efbad5-aba6-41a8-b579-a383d3f727ae|title=The Memphis Tigers are going to Hawaii|date=November 29, 2021|website=localmemphis.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehawaiibowl.com/news/memphis-accepts-invitation-to-easypost-hawaii-bowl/|title=Memphis Accepts Invitation to EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl|website=Hawaii Bowl}}</ref> but the game was canceled due to [[COVID-19]] issues within the Rainbow Warriors football program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/hawaii-bowl-canceled-less-than-24-hours-before-game-after-warriors-say-they-wont-play-due-to-covid-19-issues/|title=Hawaii Bowl canceled less than 24 hours before game after Warriors say they won't play due to COVID-19 issues|date=December 24, 2021|website=CBSSports.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2021/12/23/hawaii-bowl-canceled-hawaii-covid-19-issues-memphis/9012918002/|title=Hawaii Bowl canceled after Hawaii football team pulls out of game due to COVID-19 issues|first=Evan|last=Barnes|website=USA TODAY}}</ref>

Memphis finished with a 7–6 record in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2022-schedule.html|title=2022 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> After losing the season opener by a score of 49–23 to Mississippi State,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401403861|title=Mississippi State 49-23 Memphis (Sep 3, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> the Tigers reeled off four straight wins; 37–13 over Navy,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401415617|title=Memphis 37-13 Navy (Sep 10, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> 44–32 over rival Arkansas State,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401415622|title=Memphis 44-32 Arkansas State (Sep 17, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> 44–34 over [[North Texas Mean Green football|North Texas]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401426569|title=Memphis 44-34 North Texas (Sep 24, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> and 24–3 over Temple.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401415628|title=Memphis 24-3 Temple (Oct 1, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> Silverfield's team then lost four games in a row; 33–32 to Houston,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401415630|title=Houston 33-32 Memphis (Oct 7, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> 47–45 in four overtimes to East Carolina,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401415637|title=East Carolina 47-45 Memphis (Oct 15, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> 38–28 to #25 Tulane<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401415639|title=Tulane 38-28 Memphis (Oct 22, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> and 35–28 to #25 UCF.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/college/football/2022/11/05/ucf-knights-football-3-takeaways-35-28-win-memphis-tigers/10659785002/|title=No. 25 UCF ends road woes with win at Memphis, sets up showdown with Tulane; 3 takeaways|first=Chris|last=Boyle|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20221105_UCF@MEMP/|title=UCF Knights vs. Memphis Tigers Live Score and Stats - November 5, 2022 Gametracker|website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> The Tigers then responded with a 26–10 win over Tulsa for their 50th home win since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401415653|title=Memphis 26-10 Tulsa (Nov 10, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> After a 59–0 beatdown win over FCS opponent [[North Alabama Lions football|North Alabama]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401415662|title=Memphis 59-0 North Alabama (Nov 19, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> the Memphis Tigers lost the last game of the regular season by a score of 34–31 to SMU.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401415666|title=SMU 34-31 Memphis (Nov 26, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> The Tigers accepted an invitation to the [[2022 First Responder Bowl]], where they defeated [[Utah State Aggies football|Utah State]] by a score of 38–10.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401442000|title=Memphis 38-10 Utah State (Dec 27, 2022) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> On December 30, 2022, on the heels of two consecutive mediocre seasons, Ryan Silverfield made changes to his coaching staff by firing special teams coordinator Charles Banks, offensive line coach Jim Bridge and wide receivers coach David Glidden and bringing in three new assistant coaches from outside the program to replace them.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wreg.com/sports/silverfield-makes-changes-to-his-coaching-staff/|title=Silverfield makes changes to his coaching staff|date=December 31, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/33217/larry-smith-memphis-tigers-football-receivers-coach-uab|title=Tigers name replacement for fired receivers coach|website=Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News &#124; Daily Memphian}}</ref>

The Tigers improved to a 10–3 record in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/2023-schedule.html|title=2023 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> They began with a 56–14 blowout win over FCS opponent [[Bethune–Cookman Wildcats football|Bethune–Cookman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.actionnews5.com/2023/09/03/memphis-handles-bethune-cookman-56-14-season-opener/|title=Memphis handles Bethune-Cookman 56-14 in season opener|first=Matt|last=Infield|date=September 3, 2023|website=www.actionnews5.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2023/09/02/memphis-football-bethune-cookman-score-analysis-2023-seth-henigan-blake-watson-ryan-silverfield/70682364007/|title=How Memphis football dominated Bethune-Cookman to open 2023 season|first=Jonah|last=Dylan|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> Silverfield's team then posted wins of 37–3 over rival Arkansas State<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401531427|title=Memphis 37-3 Arkansas State (Sep 9, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> and 28–24 over Navy<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401531428|title=Memphis 28-24 Navy (Sep 14, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> before losing their first game of the season to [[Missouri Tigers football|Missouri]] by a score of 34–27.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401520259|title=Missouri 34-27 Memphis (Sep 23, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> After a 35–32 win over [[Boise State Broncos football|Boise State]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401531429|title=Memphis 35-32 Boise State (Sep 30, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> the Tigers lost 31–21 to Tulane.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401531371|title=Tulane 31-21 Memphis (Oct 13, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> Memphis then reeled off four straight wins; 45–21 over rival UAB,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401531382|title=Memphis 45-21 UAB (Oct 21, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> 45–42 over North Texas,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401531430|title=Memphis 45-42 North Texas (Oct 28, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> 59–50 over South Florida<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401531425|title=Memphis 59-50 South Florida (Nov 4, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> and 44–38 in overtime over [[Charlotte 49ers football|Charlotte]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401531408|title=Memphis 44-38 Charlotte (Nov 11, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> After a 38–34 loss to SMU,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401531431|title=SMU 38-34 Memphis (Nov 18, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> the Tigers won 45–21 over Temple to finish the regular season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401531394|title=Memphis 45-21 Temple (Nov 24, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN}}</ref> Memphis accepted a berth in the [[2023 Liberty Bowl]] played on their home field where they defeated Iowa State by a score of 36–26 to cap the program's fourth season of 10+ wins since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2023/12/29/memphis-football-iowa-state-football-ryan-silverfield-seth-henigan-autozone-liberty-bowl/71999189007/|title=Seth Henigan sets Memphis football passing record, leads Tigers to Liberty Bowl win vs Iowa State|first=Jonah|last=Dylan|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://northiowatoday.com/2023/12/30/college-football-iowa-state-thumped-by-memphis-36-26-in-liberty-bowl/ | title=College Football: Iowa State thumped by Memphis, 36-26, in Liberty Bowl | date=December 30, 2023 }}</ref> On April 3, 2024, the University of Memphis signed Ryan Silverfield to a new five-year contract worth $12.25 million excluding incentives.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/39861179/memphis-football-coach-ryan-silverfield-agrees-5-year-deal|title=Memphis coach Silverfield agrees to 5-year deal|date=April 2, 2024|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2024/04/03/ryan-silverfield-contract-memphis-football-coach-conference-realignment/73191848007/|title=Ryan Silverfield contract perks include automatic extension for this many Memphis football wins|first=Jonah|last=Dylan|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Memphis, Ryan Silverfield Finalize New Contract |url=https://gotigersgo.com/news/2024/4/2/football-memphis-ryan-silverfield-finalize-new-contract |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=University of Memphis Athletics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news-journal.com/memphis-ryan-silverfield-receives-5-year-extension/article_65d11d11-331e-536b-93e7-a22be6f80f79.html|title=Memphis' Ryan Silverfield receives 5-year extension|first=Field Level|last=Media|date=April 2, 2024|website=Longview News-Journal}}</ref> Later that month, on April 29, 2024, it was announced that Memphis-based [[FedEx]] would donate $25 million to the football program's [[Student athlete compensation|NIL fund]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/39974973/fedex-pledges-25m-5-years-nil-program-memphis|title=FedEx pledges $25M to NIL program at Memphis|date=April 19, 2024|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.memphis.edu/mediaroom/releases/2024/april/uofm-fedex-nil-commitment.php#:~:text=FedEx%20Corp.%20has%20announced%20an,to%20promote%20key%20FedEx%20initiatives | title=FedEx NIL Commitment }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsroom.fedex.com/newsroom/united-states/fedex-announces-nil-program-for-university-of-memphis-student-athletes|title=FedEx announces NIL program for University of Memphis student-athletes|date=April 19, 2024|website=FedEx Newsroom}}</ref>


==Conference affiliations==
==Conference affiliations==
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==Bowl games==
==Bowl games==
The Memphis Tigers have received seventeen bowl invitations in their history and hold a record of 8–8 in bowl games with one cancellation. This includes the 1956 Burley Bowl, which was not an NCAA sanctioned bowl.<ref name=NCAApdf>{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2016/bowls.pdf |title=Bowl/All Star Game Records |year=2016 |publisher=NCAA |access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis went through a 32-year bowl game drought from 1971 to 2003, but has since had a five-year bowl streak (2003–2008) and the current ten-year streak (since 2014). The team made its first appearance in a [[New Year's Six|New Years Six]] bowl when they were selected to play in the [[2019 Cotton Bowl Classic]] as the highest ranked (AP #15) [[Group of Five conferences|Group of Five]] conference champion. The Tigers’ 2023 Liberty Bowl victory was the school's first over a Power 5 opponent.
The Memphis Tigers have received seventeen bowl invitations in their history and hold a record of 8–8 in bowl games with one cancellation. This includes the 1956 Burley Bowl, which was not an NCAA sanctioned bowl.<ref name=NCAApdf>{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2016/bowls.pdf |title=Bowl/All Star Game Records |year=2016 |publisher=NCAA |access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> Memphis went through a 32-year bowl game drought from 1971 to 2003, but has since had a five-year bowl streak (2003–2008) and the current ten-year streak (since 2014). The team made its first appearance in a [[New Years Six]] bowl when they were selected to play in the [[2019 Cotton Bowl Classic]] as the highest ranked (AP #15) [[Group of Five conferences|Group of Five]] conference champion. The Tigers’ 2023 Liberty Bowl victory was the school's first over a Power 5 opponent.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 289: Line 131:
| [[2019 Memphis Tigers football team|2019]] ||rowspan="5" | [[Ryan Silverfield]] || [[2019 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl Classic]] || [[2019 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Penn State]] || L 39–53
| [[2019 Memphis Tigers football team|2019]] ||rowspan="5" | [[Ryan Silverfield]] || [[2019 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl Classic]] || [[2019 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Penn State]] || L 39–53
|-
|-
| [[2020 Memphis Tigers football team|2020]] || [[2020 Montgomery Bowl|Montgomery Bowl]] || [[2020 Florida Atlantic Owls football team|Florida Atlantic]] || '''W''' 25–10
| [[2020 Memphis Tigers football team|2020]] || [[Montgomery Bowl]] || [[2020 Florida Atlantic Owls football team|Florida Atlantic]] || '''W''' 25–10
|-
|-
| [[2021 Memphis Tigers football team|2021]] || [[2021 Hawaii Bowl|Hawaii Bowl]] || [[2021 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team|Hawaii]] || Canceled
| [[2021 Memphis Tigers football team|2021]] || [[Hawaii Bowl]] || [[2021 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team|Hawaii]] || Canceled
|-
|-
| [[2022 Memphis Tigers football team|2022]] || [[2022 First Responder Bowl|First Responder Bowl]] || [[2022 Utah State Aggies football team|Utah State]] ||'''W''' 38{{ndash}}10
| [[2022 Memphis Tigers football team|2022]] || [[2022 First Responder Bowl|First Responder Bowl]] || [[2022 Utah State Aggies football team|Utah State]] ||'''W''' 38{{ndash}}10
|-
|-
| [[2023 Memphis Tigers football team|2023]] || [[2023 Liberty Bowl|Liberty Bowl]] || [[2023 Iowa State Cyclones football team|Iowa State]] || '''W''' 36{{ndash}}26
| [[2023 Memphis Tigers football team|2023]] || [[2023 Liberty Bowl|Liberty Bowl]] || [[2023 Iowa State Cyclones football team|Iowa State]] || '''W''' 36{{ndash}}26
|}
|}


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{{main|List of Memphis Tigers head football coaches}}
{{main|List of Memphis Tigers head football coaches}}
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/coaches.html|title = Memphis Tigers Coaches}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/memphis/coaches.html|title = Memphis Tigers Coaches}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
|-
|-
{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Memphis Tigers|Coach|Tenure|Seasons|Record|Pct.}}
{{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Memphis Tigers|Coach|Tenure|Seasons|Record|Pct.}}
Line 353: Line 196:
| Mike Norvell || 2016–2019 || 4 || 38–15 || {{winpct|38|15}}
| Mike Norvell || 2016–2019 || 4 || 38–15 || {{winpct|38|15}}
|-
|-
| Ryan Silverfield || 2019–present || 4 || 21–16 ||{{winpct|21|16}}
| Ryan Silverfield || 2019–present || 4 || 32-19 ||.6275
|}
|}


Line 365: Line 208:
{{main|Cincinnati–Memphis rivalry#Football}}
{{main|Cincinnati–Memphis rivalry#Football}}


The series with Cincinnati dates to 1966. Memphis leads 23–14 with the last game played in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/memphis/vs/cincinnati|title=Winsipedia - Memphis Tigers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats football series history|website=Winsipedia}}</ref>
The series with Cincinnati dates to 1966. Memphis leads 23–14 with the last game played in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/memphis/vs/cincinnati|title=Winsipedia Memphis Tigers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats football series history|website=Winsipedia}}</ref>


=== Louisville ===
=== Louisville ===
{{main|Louisville–Memphis rivalry#Football}}
{{main|Louisville–Memphis rivalry#Football}}


The hatred between these two teams runs strong between the Cardinals and Tigers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/420/louisville-memphis-renew-sort-of-rivalry|title=Louisville, Memphis renew (sort of) rivalry|date=October 10, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/undefined|title=FROM MY SEAT: Look Who's Flying In: a Louisville Cardinal!|website=MemphisFlyer}}</ref> The Tigers' rivalry with bordering-state opponent Louisville dates back to 1948.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gocards.com/sports/football/opponent-history|title=Football History|website=University of Louisville Athletic}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://gotigersgo.com/sports/football/opponent-history|title=Football History|website=University of Memphis Athletics}}</ref> Louisville leads 24–19 with the last game played in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/memphis/vs/louisville|title=Winsipedia - Memphis Tigers vs. Louisville Cardinals football series history|website=Winsipedia}}</ref> Both teams were at once in the American Athletic Conference Football for 1 year until Louisville joined the Atlantic Coastal Conference in 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/26/sports/at-louisville-an-athletic-boom-made-for-and-by-tv.html|title=At Louisville, Athletic Boom Is Rooted in ESPN Partnership|first1=Steve|last1=Eder|first2=Richard|last2=Sandomir|first3=James Andrew|last3=Miller|work=The New York Times |date=August 25, 2013|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/8685541/acc-votes-add-louisville-cardinals|title=ACC votes to add Louisville in 2014|date=November 28, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Both teams are better known for their rivalry on the basketball court then on the football field,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/basketball/2017/12/15/memphis-tigers-basketball-louisville-cardinals-rival-once-loved-hate-tubby-smith-david-padgett/955303001/|title=For Memphis Tigers basketball, Louisville was the rival it once loved to hate|first=Mark|last=Giannotto|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> but both schools share the same hatred between each other in any sport including football.
The hatred between these two teams runs strong between the Cardinals and Tigers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/420/louisville-memphis-renew-sort-of-rivalry|title=Louisville, Memphis renew (sort of) rivalry|date=October 10, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/undefined|title=FROM MY SEAT: Look Who's Flying In: a Louisville Cardinal!|website=MemphisFlyer}}</ref> The Tigers' rivalry with bordering-state opponent Louisville dates back to 1948.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gocards.com/sports/football/opponent-history|title=Football History|website=University of Louisville Athletic}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://gotigersgo.com/sports/football/opponent-history|title=Football History|website=University of Memphis Athletics}}</ref> Louisville leads 24–19 with the last game played in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/memphis/vs/louisville|title=Winsipedia Memphis Tigers vs. Louisville Cardinals football series history|website=Winsipedia}}</ref> Both teams were at once in the American Athletic Conference Football for 1 year until Louisville joined the Atlantic Coastal Conference in 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/26/sports/at-louisville-an-athletic-boom-made-for-and-by-tv.html|title=At Louisville, Athletic Boom Is Rooted in ESPN Partnership|first1=Steve|last1=Eder|first2=Richard|last2=Sandomir|first3=James Andrew|last3=Miller|work=The New York Times |date=August 25, 2013|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/8685541/acc-votes-add-louisville-cardinals|title=ACC votes to add Louisville in 2014|date=November 28, 2012|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Both teams are better known for their rivalry on the basketball court then on the football field,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/basketball/2017/12/15/memphis-tigers-basketball-louisville-cardinals-rival-once-loved-hate-tubby-smith-david-padgett/955303001/|title=For Memphis Tigers basketball, Louisville was the rival it once loved to hate|first=Mark|last=Giannotto|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref> but both schools share the same hatred between each other in any sport including football.


=== Ole Miss ===
=== Ole Miss ===
{{main|Memphis–Ole Miss football rivalry}}
{{main|Memphis–Ole Miss football rivalry}}


The Tigers' football rivalry with [[Mid-South (region)|regional]] and bordering-state opponent Ole Miss dates to 1921.<ref name="auto3"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://olemisssports.com/sports/football/opponent-history|title=Football History|website=Ole Miss Athletics - Hotty Toddy}}</ref> Ole Miss leads 47–12–2 through the 2019 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/memphis/vs/ole-miss|title=Winsipedia - Memphis Tigers vs. Ole Miss Rebels football series history|website=Winsipedia}}</ref> Ole Miss is Memphis' oldest football rivalry and is tied with Southern Miss as Memphis' most-played football opponent all-time while Memphis is Ole Miss' most-played football opponent who has never been a member of the [[Southeastern Conference]] (SEC).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/column-underrated-rivalry-one-see-season/|title=Column: Ole Miss-Memphis rivalry is one we should see every season|date=October 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memphis.edu/uofmmagazine/current_issue/undefeated.php|title=The Undefeated|website=www.memphis.edu}}</ref>
The Tigers' football rivalry with [[Mid-South (region)|regional]] and bordering-state opponent Ole Miss dates to 1921.<ref name="auto3"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://olemisssports.com/sports/football/opponent-history|title=Football History|website=Ole Miss Athletics Hotty Toddy}}</ref> Ole Miss leads 47–12–2 through the 2019 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/memphis/vs/ole-miss|title=Winsipedia Memphis Tigers vs. Ole Miss Rebels football series history|website=Winsipedia}}</ref> Ole Miss is Memphis' oldest football rivalry and is tied with Southern Miss as Memphis' most-played football opponent all-time while Memphis is Ole Miss' most-played football opponent who has never been a member of the [[Southeastern Conference]] (SEC).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/column-underrated-rivalry-one-see-season/|title=Column: Ole Miss-Memphis rivalry is one we should see every season|date=October 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memphis.edu/uofmmagazine/current_issue/undefeated.php|title=The Undefeated|website=www.memphis.edu}}</ref>


=== Southern Miss ===
=== Southern Miss ===
{{main|Black and Blue Bowl}}
{{main|Black and Blue Bowl}}


The Memphis Tigers' football rivalry with bordering-state opponent Southern Miss is officially named the [[Black and Blue Bowl]] and dates back to 1935.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/southern-mississippi/Article/black-and-blue-bowl-104747031/|title=Black and Blue Bowl|website=247Sports}}</ref> Southern Miss is tied with Ole Miss as Memphis' most-played football opponent all-time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailymemphian.com/Email/Article/34484/ArticleEmail/0?token=SM8ahugj6UqInz4dqJvYOw==|title=Tigers Football Insider: Memphis rekindles an old series against Southern Miss|website=dailymemphian.com}}</ref> Southern Miss leads the all-time series 40–22–1 with the last game played in 2012.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/memphis/vs/southern-miss|title=Winsipedia - Memphis Tigers vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles football series history|website=Winsipedia}}</ref> The annual series between the Tigers and Golden Eagles ended after Memphis joined the American Athletic Conference in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gotigersgo.com/news/2013/4/3/CURRENT_BIG_EAST_ENTERS_NEW_ERA_AS_AMERICAN_ATHLETIC_CONFERENCE_|title=CURRENT BIG EAST ENTERS NEW ERA AS 'AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE'|website=University of Memphis Athletics}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-02-08/university-of-memphis-will-join-big-east-conference-in-all-sports-in-2013|title=|website=www.bloomberg.com}}</ref> The rivalry will be renewed in 2027 and 2030 as a nonconference game after more than a decade of dormancy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2023/03/01/memphis-football-schedule-southern-miss-series/69958443007/|title=Memphis football announces home-and-home series with Southern Miss in 2027, 2030|first=Evan|last=Barnes|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref>
The Memphis Tigers' football rivalry with bordering-state opponent Southern Miss is officially named the [[Black and Blue Bowl]] and dates back to 1935.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/southern-mississippi/Article/black-and-blue-bowl-104747031/|title=Black and Blue Bowl|website=247Sports}}</ref> Southern Miss is tied with Ole Miss as Memphis' most-played football opponent all-time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailymemphian.com/Email/Article/34484/ArticleEmail/0?token=SM8ahugj6UqInz4dqJvYOw==|title=Tigers Football Insider: Memphis rekindles an old series against Southern Miss|website=dailymemphian.com}}</ref> Southern Miss leads the all-time series 40–22–1 with the last game played in 2012.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/memphis/vs/southern-miss|title=Winsipedia Memphis Tigers vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles football series history|website=Winsipedia}}</ref> The annual series between the Tigers and Golden Eagles ended after Memphis joined the American Athletic Conference in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gotigersgo.com/news/2013/4/3/CURRENT_BIG_EAST_ENTERS_NEW_ERA_AS_AMERICAN_ATHLETIC_CONFERENCE_|title=CURRENT BIG EAST ENTERS NEW ERA AS 'AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE'|website=University of Memphis Athletics}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-02-08/university-of-memphis-will-join-big-east-conference-in-all-sports-in-2013|title=Memphis Joins Big East Conference in All Sports Starting in 2013 |website=www.bloomberg.com |first=Mason |last=Levinson |date=February 8, 2012}}</ref> The rivalry will be renewed in 2027 and 2030 as a nonconference game after more than a decade of dormancy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2023/03/01/memphis-football-schedule-southern-miss-series/69958443007/|title=Memphis football announces home-and-home series with Southern Miss in 2027, 2030|first=Evan|last=Barnes|website=The Commercial Appeal}}</ref>


=== UAB ===
=== UAB ===
{{main|Battle for the Bones}}
{{main|Battle for the Bones}}
Memphis and bordering-state opponent [[UAB Blazers football|UAB]] annually play a football rivalry game called “The [[Battle for the Bones#Football|Battle of the Bones]]” where the winning team receives a 100 lb bronze statue of a rack of ribs.<ref>https://app.uabsports.com/BattleFortheBones</ref> This pays homage to both school's cities prominence in BBQ.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uab.edu/reporter/campus/go-blazers/item/10129-smoke-em-if-you-got-em-an-oral-history-of-barbecue-bones-and-the-baddest-trophy-in-college-football|title=Smoke 'em if you got 'em: An oral history of barbecue, bones and the baddest trophy in college football|first=Matt|last=Windsor|website=UAB Reporter}}</ref> The rivalry temporarily ended when Memphis moved to the American Athletic Conference after the 2012 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/39264/battle-for-the-bones-memphis-tigers-uab-blazers-2023|title=Work to the Bones: A 26-year rivalry between Memphis and UAB returns|website=Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News &#124; Daily Memphian}}</ref> UAB leads the all-time series 10–5, but Memphis won the last matchup which allowed the Tigers to keep the Bones Trophy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uabsports.com/news/2023/10/16/football-uab-hosts-memphis-in-renewed-battle-for-the-bones-rivalry|title=UAB Hosts Memphis in Renewed Battle for the Bones Rivalry|website=UAB Athletics}}</ref> The rivalry was rekindled in 2023 when UAB joined Memphis in the [[American Athletic Conference]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.al.com/uab/2023/10/how-uab-and-memphis-rivarly-became-the-battle-for-the-bones.html|title=UAB and Memphis 'Battle for the Bones' returns after 10-year absence|first=Evan|last=Dudley|date=October 19, 2023|website=al}}</ref>
Memphis and bordering-state opponent [[UAB Blazers football|UAB]] annually play a football rivalry game called “The [[Battle for the Bones#Football|Battle of the Bones]]” where the winning team receives a 100 lb bronze statue of a rack of ribs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Battle For the Bones |url=https://app.uabsports.com/BattleFortheBones |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=uabsports.com}}</ref> This pays homage to both school's cities prominence in BBQ.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uab.edu/reporter/campus/go-blazers/item/10129-smoke-em-if-you-got-em-an-oral-history-of-barbecue-bones-and-the-baddest-trophy-in-college-football|title=Smoke 'em if you got 'em: An oral history of barbecue, bones and the baddest trophy in college football|first=Matt|last=Windsor|website=UAB Reporter}}</ref> The rivalry temporarily ended when Memphis moved to the American Athletic Conference after the 2012 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/39264/battle-for-the-bones-memphis-tigers-uab-blazers-2023|title=Work to the Bones: A 26-year rivalry between Memphis and UAB returns|website=Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News &#124; Daily Memphian}}</ref> UAB leads the all-time series 10–5, but Memphis won the last matchup which allowed the Tigers to keep the Bones Trophy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uabsports.com/news/2023/10/16/football-uab-hosts-memphis-in-renewed-battle-for-the-bones-rivalry|title=UAB Hosts Memphis in Renewed Battle for the Bones Rivalry|website=UAB Athletics}}</ref> The rivalry was rekindled in 2023 when UAB joined Memphis in the [[American Athletic Conference]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.al.com/uab/2023/10/how-uab-and-memphis-rivarly-became-the-battle-for-the-bones.html|title=UAB and Memphis 'Battle for the Bones' returns after 10-year absence|first=Evan|last=Dudley|date=October 19, 2023|website=al}}</ref>


==Facilities==
==Facilities==
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==Retired numbers==
==Retired numbers==
{{main|List of NCAA football retired numbers}}
{{main|List of NCAA football retired numbers}}
Memphis has retired numbers for seven players in their history. Of the seven, Greenhill's is the only one honored posthumously, due to his death in a plane crash that also took the life of head coach Rex Dockery.<ref name="gotigersgo.com55">{{cite web|url=http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072709aab.html|title=2009 Memphis Football Media Guide|work=gotigersgo.com|access-date=August 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711114330/http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072709aab.html|archive-date=July 11, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/memphisathletics/docs/2017_memphis_football_digital_media|title=2017 Memphis Football Digital Media Guide|website=issuu.com|date=July 14, 2017 }}</ref>
Memphis has retired numbers for seven players in their history. Charles Greenhill only played one season at Memphis, but his number was retired after he died in a plane crash that also took the life of head coach [[Rex Dockery]].<ref name="gotigersgo.com55">{{cite web|url=http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072709aab.html|title=2009 Memphis Football Media Guide|work=gotigersgo.com|access-date=August 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711114330/http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072709aab.html|archive-date=July 11, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/memphisathletics/docs/2017_memphis_football_digital_media|title=2017 Memphis Football Digital Media Guide|website=issuu.com|date=July 14, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/charles-greenhill-1.html | title=Charles Greenhill | publisher=sports-reference.com | accessdate=11 September 2024}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" style=text-align:center
{| class="wikitable" style=text-align:center
Line 415: Line 258:
| '''30''' || Dave Casinelli ||RB || 1960–1963 || <ref name=tigret/>
| '''30''' || Dave Casinelli ||RB || 1960–1963 || <ref name=tigret/>
|-
|-
| '''59''' || Danton Barto || LB || 1990–1993 || <ref name=tigret/><ref>[https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2021/08/23/former-memphis-linebacker-danton-barto-dies-covid-19-complications/8236690002/ Former Memphis linebacker Danton Barto dies from COVID-19 complications] by Evan Barnes at Memphis Commercial Appeal, 23 Aug 2021</ref>
| '''59''' || [[Danton Barto]] || LB || 1990–1993 || <ref name=tigret/><ref>[https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2021/08/23/former-memphis-linebacker-danton-barto-dies-covid-19-complications/8236690002/ Former Memphis linebacker Danton Barto dies from COVID-19 complications] by Evan Barnes at Memphis Commercial Appeal, 23 Aug 2021</ref>
|-
|-
| '''64''' || John Bramlett || LB || 1959–1962 || <ref name=tigret/>
| '''64''' || John Bramlett || LB || 1959–1962 || <ref name=tigret/>
Line 425: Line 268:


==Memphis Tigers in the NFL Draft==
==Memphis Tigers in the NFL Draft==
{{main|List of Memphis Tigers in the NFL Draft}}
{{main|List of Memphis Tigers in the NFL draft}}


==Memphis Tigers awards and honors==
==Memphis Tigers awards and honors==
Line 431: Line 274:
*[[Isaac Bruce]] – [[Wide receiver|WR]] (1992–1993); HoF Class of 2020<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wreg.com/2020/02/01/isaac-bruce-becomes-the-first-tiger-player-selected-to-the-pro-football-hall-of-fame/|title=Isaac Bruce becomes the first Tiger player selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame |author=Megan Rice |date=February 1, 2020 |work=WREG Memphis News Channel 3|access-date=February 1, 2020}}</ref>
*[[Isaac Bruce]] – [[Wide receiver|WR]] (1992–1993); HoF Class of 2020<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wreg.com/2020/02/01/isaac-bruce-becomes-the-first-tiger-player-selected-to-the-pro-football-hall-of-fame/|title=Isaac Bruce becomes the first Tiger player selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame |author=Megan Rice |date=February 1, 2020 |work=WREG Memphis News Channel 3|access-date=February 1, 2020}}</ref>
'''[[College Football Hall of Fame]]'''
'''[[College Football Hall of Fame]]'''
*[[Allyn McKeen]] – Head Coach (1937–1938); HoF Class of 1991<ref>{{Cite web |title=Allyn McKeen (1991) - Hall of Fame |url=https://footballfoundation.org/honors/hall-of-fame/allyn-mckeen/1624 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=National Football Foundation |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Allyn McKeen]] – Head Coach (1937–1938); HoF Class of 1991<ref>{{Cite web |title=Allyn McKeen (1991) Hall of Fame |url=https://footballfoundation.org/honors/hall-of-fame/allyn-mckeen/1624 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=National Football Foundation |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Billy J. Murphy|Billy Jack "Spook" Murphy]] – Head Coach (1958–1971); HoF Class of 2022<ref>{{cite web|title=NFF Announces Star-Studded 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class|url=https://footballfoundation.org/news/2022/1/10/nff-announces-star-studded-2022-college-football-hall-of-fame-class.aspx|access-date=2022-01-11|website=National Football Foundation|date=January 10, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Billy J. Murphy|Billy Jack "Spook" Murphy]] – Head Coach (1958–1971); HoF Class of 2022<ref>{{cite web|title=NFF Announces Star-Studded 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class|url=https://footballfoundation.org/news/2022/1/10/nff-announces-star-studded-2022-college-football-hall-of-fame-class.aspx|access-date=2022-01-11|website=National Football Foundation|date=January 10, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[DeAngelo Williams]] – RB (2002–2005); HoF Class of 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFF Announces Star-Studded 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class |url=https://footballfoundation.org/news/2023/1/9/general-nff-announces-star-studded-2023-college-football-hall-of-fame-class.aspx |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=National Football Foundation |date=January 9, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[DeAngelo Williams]] – RB (2002–2005); HoF Class of 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFF Announces Star-Studded 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class |url=https://footballfoundation.org/news/2023/1/9/general-nff-announces-star-studded-2023-college-football-hall-of-fame-class.aspx |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=National Football Foundation |date=January 9, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
'''National Coach of the Year'''
'''National Coach of the Year'''
* 1963 - [[Billy J. Murphy|Billy Jack "Spook" Murphy]] (''Detroit News'')
* 1963 [[Billy J. Murphy|Billy Jack "Spook" Murphy]] (''Detroit News'')
'''[[Lou Groza Award]]'''
'''[[Lou Groza Award]]'''
* 1992 - [[Joe Allison (gridiron football)|Joe Allison]]
* 1992 [[Joe Allison (gridiron football)|Joe Allison]]
'''[[Ray Guy Award]]'''
'''[[Ray Guy Award]]'''
* 2013 - [[Tom Hornsey]]
* 2013 [[Tom Hornsey]]
'''[[Paul Warfield Trophy]]'''
'''[[Paul Warfield Trophy]]'''
* 2017 - [[Anthony Miller (wide receiver, born 1994)|Anthony Miller]]
* 2017 [[Anthony Miller (wide receiver, born 1994)|Anthony Miller]]
[[Touchdown Club of Columbus#Jim Brown Award|'''Jim Brown Award''']]
[[Touchdown Club of Columbus#Jim Brown Award|'''Jim Brown Award''']]
* 2018 - [[Darrell Henderson]]
* 2018 [[Darrell Henderson]]
'''[[William V. Campbell Trophy]]'''
'''[[William V. Campbell Trophy]]'''
* 2020 - [[Brady White]]
* 2020 [[Brady White]]
'''[[College Football All-America Team]] selections'''
'''[[College Football All-America Team]] selections'''


''Consensus All-Americans listed in '''bold'''''
''Consensus All-Americans listed in '''bold'''''


* [[1963 College Football All-America Team|1963]] - Charles Brooks, E (FN)
* [[1963 College Football All-America Team|1963]] Charles Brooks, E (FN)
* [[1963 College Football All-America Team|1963]] - [[Harry Schuh]], T (NEA-1)
* [[1963 College Football All-America Team|1963]] [[Harry Schuh]], T (NEA-1)
* [[1964 College Football All-America Team|1964]] - [[Harry Schuh]], T (AFCA-2, Time)
* [[1964 College Football All-America Team|1964]] [[Harry Schuh]], T (AFCA-2, Time)
* [[1969 College Football All-America Team|1969]] - David Berrong, DB (AP-3, CP-3)
* [[1969 College Football All-America Team|1969]] David Berrong, DB (AP-3, CP-3)
* [[1971 College Football All-America Team|1971]] - Mike Stark, T (AP-3)
* [[1971 College Football All-America Team|1971]] Mike Stark, T (AP-3)
* [[1976 College Football All-America Team|1976]] - [[Eric Harris (gridiron football)|Eric Harris]], DB (CFN)
* [[1976 College Football All-America Team|1976]] [[Eric Harris (gridiron football)|Eric Harris]], DB (CFN)
* [[1976 College Football All-America Team|1976]] - [[Bob Rush (American football)|Bob Rush]], C (NEA-2, TSN)
* [[1976 College Football All-America Team|1976]] [[Bob Rush (American football)|Bob Rush]], C (NEA-2, TSN)
* [[1977 College Football All-America Team|1977]] - [[Keith Simpson (American football)|Keith Simpson]], DB (EA-1, TSN)
* [[1977 College Football All-America Team|1977]] [[Keith Simpson (American football)|Keith Simpson]], DB (EA-1, TSN)
* '''[[1992 College Football All-America Team|1992]] - [[Joe Allison (gridiron football)|Joe Allison]]''', K (Consensus)
* '''[[1992 College Football All-America Team|1992]] [[Joe Allison (gridiron football)|Joe Allison]]''', K (Consensus)
* [[2004 College Football All-America Team|2004]] - [[DeAngelo Williams]], RB (PFW)
* [[2004 College Football All-America Team|2004]] [[DeAngelo Williams]], RB (PFW)
* [[2005 College Football All-America Team|2005]] - [[DeAngelo Williams]], RB (AFCA, WCFF)
* [[2005 College Football All-America Team|2005]] [[DeAngelo Williams]], RB (AFCA, WCFF)
* '''[[2013 College Football All-America Team|2013]] - [[Tom Hornsey]]''', P (Consensus)
* '''[[2013 College Football All-America Team|2013]] [[Tom Hornsey]]''', P (Consensus)
* [[2015 College Football All-America Team|2015]] - [[Jake Elliott]], K (AP-2, USAT, WCFF-2, ESPN)
* [[2015 College Football All-America Team|2015]] [[Jake Elliott]], K (AP-2, USAT, WCFF-2, ESPN)
* '''[[2017 College Football All-America Team|2017]] - [[Anthony Miller (wide receiver, born 1994)|Anthony Miller]]''', WR (Consensus)
* '''[[2017 College Football All-America Team|2017]] [[Anthony Miller (wide receiver, born 1994)|Anthony Miller]]''', WR (Consensus)
* [[2017 College Football All-America Team|2017]] - [[Tony Pollard]], KR (FWAA, WCFF, CFN, Athlon)
* [[2017 College Football All-America Team|2017]] [[Tony Pollard]], KR (FWAA, WCFF, CFN, Athlon)
* '''[[2018 College Football All-America Team|2018]] - [[Darrell Henderson]]''' RB (Consensus), KR (TSN)
* '''[[2018 College Football All-America Team|2018]] [[Darrell Henderson]]''' RB (Consensus), KR (TSN)
[[American Athletic Conference football individual awards|'''American Athletic Conference Awards''']]
[[American Athletic Conference football individual awards|'''American Athletic Conference Awards''']]
* 2013 - [[Tom Hornsey]], P - Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2013 [[Tom Hornsey]], P Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2014 - Tank Jakes, LB - Defensive Player of the Year
* 2014 Tank Jakes, LB Defensive Player of the Year
* 2014 - [[Jake Elliott]], K - Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2014 [[Jake Elliott]], K Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2014 - [[Justin Fuente]] - Coach of the Year
* 2014 [[Justin Fuente]] Coach of the Year
* 2015 - [[Jake Elliott]], K - Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2015 [[Jake Elliott]], K Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2016 - [[Tony Pollard]], KR - Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2016 [[Tony Pollard]], KR Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2017 - [[Tony Pollard]], KR - Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2017 [[Tony Pollard]], KR Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2017 - [[T. J. Carter (defensive back)|T. J. Carter]], CB - Rookie of the Year
* 2017 [[T. J. Carter (defensive back)|T. J. Carter]], CB Rookie of the Year
* 2019 - [[Antonio Gibson]], KR - Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2019 [[Antonio Gibson]], KR Special Teams Player of the Year
* 2019 - [[Kenneth Gainwell]], RB - Rookie of the Year
* 2019 [[Kenneth Gainwell]], RB Rookie of the Year


== Future non-conference opponents ==
== Future non-conference opponents ==
Line 530: Line 373:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Official website}}
*{{commons category inline}}


{{Memphis Tigers football navbox}}
{{Memphis Tigers football navbox}}

Latest revision as of 00:35, 30 November 2024

Memphis Tigers
2024 Memphis Tigers football team
First season1912; 112 years ago
Athletic directorEd Scott
Head coachRyan Silverfield
6th season, 41–21 (.661)
StadiumSimmons Bank Liberty Stadium
(capacity: 58,325)
Year built1965
Field surfaceField Turf
LocationMemphis, Tennessee
NCAA divisionDivision I FBS
ConferenceAmerican Athletic Conference
Past conferencesMiss. Valley (1928–1934)
SIAA (1935–1942)
Missouri Valley (1968–1972)
C-USA (1996–2012)
All-time record543–538–33 (.502)
Bowl record8–8 (.500)
Conference titles8
(1929, 1930, 1938, 1968, 1969, 1971, 2014, 2019)
Division titles3
(2017, 2018, 2019)
RivalriesArkansas State (rivalry)
Cincinnati (rivalry)
Louisville (rivalry)
Ole Miss (rivalry)
Southern Miss (rivalry)
UAB (rivalry)
ColorsBlue and gray[1]
   
Fight songGo Tigers Go
MascotPouncer
Marching bandMighty Sound of the South
Websitegotigersgo.com

The Memphis Tigers football team represents the University of Memphis in college football in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. The Tigers play in the American Athletic Conference as an all-sports member.[2] They play home games at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The team's head coach is Ryan Silverfield.[3] Since their inaugural season in 1912, the Memphis Tigers have won over 500 games and appeared in seventeen bowl games.

For much of its history, the Memphis Tigers football program was subpar and uninspiring with occasional flashes of moderate success while being overshadowed by the university's more successful men's basketball program.[4] However, in recent years the Tigers football program has shown a marked improvement and has been more successful since the tenure of former head coach Justin Fuente.[5][6] As of May 2024, Memphis has earned bowl eligibility by winning at least six of 12 regular season games every year beginning in 2014 and, consequently, has been invited to a bowl game every year without interruption since 2014,[7][8] they are one of just nine NCAA Division I FBS teams in the country with that distinction.[9] Ten of the program's seventeen bowl appearances have come in that time span. The program has also claimed eight conference championships with the most recent coming in 2019.

History

[edit]

Conference affiliations

[edit]

[citation needed]

  • Independent (1912–1927, 1947–1967, 1973–1995)
  • Mississippi Valley Conference (1928–1934)
  • SIAA (1935–1942)
  • Missouri Valley (1968–1972)
  • Conference USA (1996–2012)
  • American Athletic Conference (2013–present)

Championships

[edit]

Conference championships (8)

[edit]
Year Conference Coach Record Conference Record
1929 Mississippi Valley Conference Zach Curlin 8–0–2 n/a
1930 6–3–1 n/a
1938 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association Allyn McKeen 10–0 7–0
1968 Missouri Valley Conference Billy J. Murphy 6–4 4–0
1969 8–2 4–0
1971 5–6 2–1
2014 American Athletic Conference Justin Fuente 10–3 7–1
2019 Mike Norvell 12–1 7–1

† Co-champions

Division championships

[edit]
Season Division Coach Opponent CG result
2017 AAC West Mike Norvell UCF L 55–622OT
2018 UCF L 41–56
2019 Cincinnati W 29–24

† Co-champions

Bowl games

[edit]

The Memphis Tigers have received seventeen bowl invitations in their history and hold a record of 8–8 in bowl games with one cancellation. This includes the 1956 Burley Bowl, which was not an NCAA sanctioned bowl.[10] Memphis went through a 32-year bowl game drought from 1971 to 2003, but has since had a five-year bowl streak (2003–2008) and the current ten-year streak (since 2014). The team made its first appearance in a New Years Six bowl when they were selected to play in the 2019 Cotton Bowl Classic as the highest ranked (AP #15) Group of Five conference champion. The Tigers’ 2023 Liberty Bowl victory was the school's first over a Power 5 opponent.

Season Head Coach Bowl Opponent Result
1956 Ralph Hatley Burley Bowl East Tennessee State W 32–12
1971 Billy J. Murphy Pasadena Bowl San Jose State W 28–9
2003 Tommy West New Orleans Bowl North Texas W 27–17
2004 GMAC Bowl Bowling Green L 35–52
2005 Motor City Bowl Akron W 38–31
2007 New Orleans Bowl Florida Atlantic L 27–44
2008 St. Petersburg Bowl South Florida L 14–41
2014 Justin Fuente Miami Beach Bowl BYU W 55–48
2015 Darrell Dickey (interim) Birmingham Bowl Auburn L 10–31
2016 Mike Norvell Boca Raton Bowl Western Kentucky L 31–51
2017 Liberty Bowl Iowa State L 20–21
2018 Birmingham Bowl Wake Forest L 34–37
2019 Ryan Silverfield Cotton Bowl Classic Penn State L 39–53
2020 Montgomery Bowl Florida Atlantic W 25–10
2021 Hawaii Bowl Hawaii Canceled
2022 First Responder Bowl Utah State W 38–10
2023 Liberty Bowl Iowa State W 36–26

Head coaches

[edit]

[11]

Coach Tenure Seasons Record Pct.
Clyde H. Wilson 1912–1915 4 9–12–1 .432
Tom Shea 1916 1 2–3–1 .417
V. M. Campbell 1917, 1919 2 6–6 .500
John Childerson 1918 1 2–4 .333
Elmore George 1920 1 0–5 .000
Rollin Wilson 1921 1 4–5–1 .450
Lester Barnard 1922–1923 2 11–5–3 .658
Zach Curlin 1924–1936 13 43–60–14 .427
Allyn McKeen 1937–1938 2 13–6 .684
Cecil C. Humphreys 1939–1941 3 14–15 .483
Charlie Jamerson 1942 1 2–7 .222
Ralph Hatley 1947–1957 11 59–43–5 .575
Billy J. Murphy 1958–1971 14 91–44–1 .673
Fred Pancoast 1972–1974 3 20–12–1 .621
Richard Williamson 1975–1980 6 31–35 .470
Rex Dockery 1981–1983 3 8–24–1 .258
Rey Dempsey 1984–1985 2 7–12–3 .386
Charlie Bailey 1986–1988 3 12–20–1 .379
Chuck Stobart 1989–1994 6 29–36–1 .447
Rip Scherer 1995–2000 6 22–44 .333
Tommy West 2001–2009 9 49–61 .445
Larry Porter 2010–2011 2 3–21 .125
Justin Fuente 2012–2015 4 26–24 .520
Mike Norvell 2016–2019 4 38–15 .717
Ryan Silverfield 2019–present 4 32-19 .6275

Rivalries

[edit]

Arkansas State

[edit]

The series with bordering-state rival Arkansas State dates to 1914. Memphis leads 31–24–5 with the last game played on September 17, 2022.[12]

Cincinnati

[edit]

The series with Cincinnati dates to 1966. Memphis leads 23–14 with the last game played in 2020.[13]

Louisville

[edit]

The hatred between these two teams runs strong between the Cardinals and Tigers.[14][15] The Tigers' rivalry with bordering-state opponent Louisville dates back to 1948.[16][17] Louisville leads 24–19 with the last game played in 2013.[18] Both teams were at once in the American Athletic Conference Football for 1 year until Louisville joined the Atlantic Coastal Conference in 2014.[19][20] Both teams are better known for their rivalry on the basketball court then on the football field,[21] but both schools share the same hatred between each other in any sport including football.

Ole Miss

[edit]

The Tigers' football rivalry with regional and bordering-state opponent Ole Miss dates to 1921.[17][22] Ole Miss leads 47–12–2 through the 2019 season.[23] Ole Miss is Memphis' oldest football rivalry and is tied with Southern Miss as Memphis' most-played football opponent all-time while Memphis is Ole Miss' most-played football opponent who has never been a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).[24][25]

Southern Miss

[edit]

The Memphis Tigers' football rivalry with bordering-state opponent Southern Miss is officially named the Black and Blue Bowl and dates back to 1935.[26] Southern Miss is tied with Ole Miss as Memphis' most-played football opponent all-time.[27] Southern Miss leads the all-time series 40–22–1 with the last game played in 2012.[28] The annual series between the Tigers and Golden Eagles ended after Memphis joined the American Athletic Conference in 2013.[29][30] The rivalry will be renewed in 2027 and 2030 as a nonconference game after more than a decade of dormancy.[31]

UAB

[edit]

Memphis and bordering-state opponent UAB annually play a football rivalry game called “The Battle of the Bones” where the winning team receives a 100 lb bronze statue of a rack of ribs.[32] This pays homage to both school's cities prominence in BBQ.[33] The rivalry temporarily ended when Memphis moved to the American Athletic Conference after the 2012 season.[34] UAB leads the all-time series 10–5, but Memphis won the last matchup which allowed the Tigers to keep the Bones Trophy.[35] The rivalry was rekindled in 2023 when UAB joined Memphis in the American Athletic Conference.[36]

Facilities

[edit]

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

[edit]
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, home of Memphis Tigers football

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, originally Memphis Memorial Stadium is the site of the annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl, and is the home of the Memphis Tigers football team. It has also been the host of several attempts at professional sports in the city, as well as other local football games and other gatherings. The stadium was originally built as Memphis Memorial Stadium in 1965 for $3 million, as a part of the Mid-South Fairgrounds, then home to one of the South's most popular fairs, but now conducted in neighboring Desoto County, Mississippi. The fairgrounds also included the now-defunct Mid-South Coliseum (formerly the city's major indoor venue) as well as the now-closed Libertyland amusement park, which has been demolished and replaced with a disc golf course. It was dedicated as a memorial to the citizens of Memphis who had served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The facility was built partially as a way to bring the Liberty Bowl to a permanent home in Memphis (the game had started in Philadelphia, but because of poor attendance as a northern bowl, it left the city, playing one year in Atlantic City before settling in Memphis). The game was such a success for Memphis that the stadium was renamed Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in 1976. As originally built, the stadium was lopsided, with the southwest side being taller than the northeast side. A 1987 expansion brought it to its current, balanced configuration, although with a much greater hospitality building topping the northeast section.[37] Its design is similar to that of old Tampa Stadium ("The Big Sombrero"), with the endzone grandstands being much shorter than the sidelines. The field, which had been natural grass since its inception, was replaced with a FieldTurf surface before the 2005 season; this was subsequently replaced with the modern version of AstroTurf. The stadium is designed in such a way that all of its seats have a relatively good view of most of the playing surface. This is due primarily to two design factors. The stands are relatively steep for a one-tier, true bowl stadium. Also, there is little space between the side and end lines of the playing surface and the stands. In December 1983, the playing field was renamed Rex Dockery Field in honor of Rex Dockery, a former Memphis Tigers football coach who died in a plane crash.

Traditions

[edit]

The Tiger Walk

[edit]

About two and a half hours prior to kickoff at home games, Tiger fans line up outside Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium for the "Tiger Walk".[38] The tradition involves the Mighty Sound of the South marching band, thousands of fans and the University of Memphis cheer and pom-pom squads.[38] The coaching staff and team arrive at the stadium and walk into the stadium tunnel with the fans and cheerleaders cheering them on to victory.[38] After the team has passed by, the Tiger cheerleaders lead the fans in the "Tiger Spellout", "T-I-G-E-R-S."[38]

Tiger Lane

[edit]

"Tiger Lane" refers to the pre-game tailgating spots for Memphis Tigers football fans.[38] It is equipped with electrical hookups at each spot, trees, grassy areas and all pre-game tailgating activities.[38] Tiger Lane stretches all the way from the parking lot of Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to East Parkway in mid-town Memphis.[38]

School colors

[edit]

The University of Memphis' official school colors of Blue and Gray were selected in the early 1900s. The colors were chosen in an effort to show unity in a nation that was still recovering from the effects of the Civil War. The student body thought that by picking the colors of the North and the South, the school would show a togetherness among all students.[39]

Retired numbers

[edit]

Memphis has retired numbers for seven players in their history. Charles Greenhill only played one season at Memphis, but his number was retired after he died in a plane crash that also took the life of head coach Rex Dockery.[40][41][42]

No. Player Position Tenure Ref.
8 Charles Greenhill DB 1983 [43]
20 DeAngelo Williams RB 2002–2005 [43]
30 Dave Casinelli RB 1960–1963 [43]
59 Danton Barto LB 1990–1993 [43][44]
64 John Bramlett LB 1959–1962 [43]
79 Harry Schuh OL 1962–1964 [43]
83 Isaac Bruce WR 1992–1993 [43]

Memphis Tigers in the NFL Draft

[edit]

Memphis Tigers awards and honors

[edit]

Pro Football Hall of Fame

College Football Hall of Fame

National Coach of the Year

Lou Groza Award

Ray Guy Award

Paul Warfield Trophy

Jim Brown Award

William V. Campbell Trophy

College Football All-America Team selections

Consensus All-Americans listed in bold

American Athletic Conference Awards

  • 2013 – Tom Hornsey, P – Special Teams Player of the Year
  • 2014 – Tank Jakes, LB – Defensive Player of the Year
  • 2014 – Jake Elliott, K – Special Teams Player of the Year
  • 2014 – Justin Fuente – Coach of the Year
  • 2015 – Jake Elliott, K – Special Teams Player of the Year
  • 2016 – Tony Pollard, KR – Special Teams Player of the Year
  • 2017 – Tony Pollard, KR – Special Teams Player of the Year
  • 2017 – T. J. Carter, CB – Rookie of the Year
  • 2019 – Antonio Gibson, KR – Special Teams Player of the Year
  • 2019 – Kenneth Gainwell, RB – Rookie of the Year

Future non-conference opponents

[edit]

Announced schedules as of November 3, 2023.[49]

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Bethune-Cookman North Alabama at Georgia State Arkansas State at Arkansas State Arkansas State at Arkansas State Boise State at Boise State
at Arkansas State Troy at Troy at Arkansas Southern Miss at Arkansas at Mississippi State at Southern Miss
Missouri (in St. Louis) at Florida State Arkansas at Boise State at Middle Tennessee Mississippi State
Boise State Middle Tennessee State Chattanooga UT Martin

References

[edit]
  1. ^ The University of Memphis Athletic Brand Standards. April 29, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  2. ^ "Memphis Is Big East Bound". gotigersgo.com. February 8, 2012. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2012.
  3. ^ "Interim head coach Ryan Silverfield isn't coy: He wants the Memphis job". The Daily Memphian.
  4. ^ "College Football: Meet Memphis, 2011's Worst Team". WSJ.
  5. ^ Fortuna, Matt. "Memphis is rising. But for now, its peers are benefiting from realignment". The New York Times.
  6. ^ "'We Fight Like Tigers': 108 Seasons of Memphis Tigers Football". Bluff City Media. September 2023.
  7. ^ "Memphis Football Bowl History". University of Memphis Athletics. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  8. ^ Londergan, Joe (October 28, 2023). "Memphis Clinch Bowl Eligibility For Tenth Consecutive Season". Sports Illustrated G5 Football Daily News, Analysis and More. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  9. ^ "Memphis looks for rare 10-win season and revenge in the Liberty Bowl against Iowa State". USA TODAY.
  10. ^ "Bowl/All Star Game Records" (PDF). NCAA. 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  11. ^ "Memphis Tigers Coaches".
  12. ^ "Winsipedia - Memphis Tigers vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves football series history". Winsipedia.
  13. ^ "Winsipedia – Memphis Tigers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats football series history". Winsipedia.
  14. ^ "Louisville, Memphis renew (sort of) rivalry". ESPN.com. October 10, 2008.
  15. ^ "FROM MY SEAT: Look Who's Flying In: a Louisville Cardinal!". MemphisFlyer.
  16. ^ "Football History". University of Louisville Athletic.
  17. ^ a b "Football History". University of Memphis Athletics.
  18. ^ "Winsipedia – Memphis Tigers vs. Louisville Cardinals football series history". Winsipedia.
  19. ^ Eder, Steve; Sandomir, Richard; Miller, James Andrew (August 25, 2013). "At Louisville, Athletic Boom Is Rooted in ESPN Partnership". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  20. ^ "ACC votes to add Louisville in 2014". ESPN.com. November 28, 2012.
  21. ^ Giannotto, Mark. "For Memphis Tigers basketball, Louisville was the rival it once loved to hate". The Commercial Appeal.
  22. ^ "Football History". Ole Miss Athletics – Hotty Toddy.
  23. ^ "Winsipedia – Memphis Tigers vs. Ole Miss Rebels football series history". Winsipedia.
  24. ^ "Column: Ole Miss-Memphis rivalry is one we should see every season". October 17, 2015.
  25. ^ "The Undefeated". www.memphis.edu.
  26. ^ "Black and Blue Bowl". 247Sports.
  27. ^ "Tigers Football Insider: Memphis rekindles an old series against Southern Miss". dailymemphian.com.
  28. ^ "Winsipedia – Memphis Tigers vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles football series history". Winsipedia.
  29. ^ "CURRENT BIG EAST ENTERS NEW ERA AS 'AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE'". University of Memphis Athletics.
  30. ^ Levinson, Mason (February 8, 2012). "Memphis Joins Big East Conference in All Sports Starting in 2013". www.bloomberg.com.
  31. ^ Barnes, Evan. "Memphis football announces home-and-home series with Southern Miss in 2027, 2030". The Commercial Appeal.
  32. ^ "Battle For the Bones". uabsports.com. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  33. ^ Windsor, Matt. "Smoke 'em if you got 'em: An oral history of barbecue, bones and the baddest trophy in college football". UAB Reporter.
  34. ^ "Work to the Bones: A 26-year rivalry between Memphis and UAB returns". Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian.
  35. ^ "UAB Hosts Memphis in Renewed Battle for the Bones Rivalry". UAB Athletics.
  36. ^ Dudley, Evan (October 19, 2023). "UAB and Memphis 'Battle for the Bones' returns after 10-year absence". al.
  37. ^ "Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium – StadiumDB.com". stadiumdb.com. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  38. ^ a b c d e f g "University of Memphis Athletics – Tiger Traditions". gotigersgo.com. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  39. ^ "Memphis Tigers Official Athletic Site – Traditions". gotigersgo.com. Archived from the original on November 20, 2008. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
  40. ^ "2009 Memphis Football Media Guide". gotigersgo.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2009.
  41. ^ "2017 Memphis Football Digital Media Guide". issuu.com. July 14, 2017.
  42. ^ "Charles Greenhill". sports-reference.com. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  43. ^ a b c d e f g Tigers to retire number of legendary linebacker on Nov. 19 By Jacob Gallant at Actionnew5.com – Oct. 27, 2022
  44. ^ Former Memphis linebacker Danton Barto dies from COVID-19 complications by Evan Barnes at Memphis Commercial Appeal, 23 Aug 2021
  45. ^ Megan Rice (February 1, 2020). "Isaac Bruce becomes the first Tiger player selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame". WREG Memphis News Channel 3. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  46. ^ "Allyn McKeen (1991) – Hall of Fame". National Football Foundation. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  47. ^ "NFF Announces Star-Studded 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class". National Football Foundation. January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  48. ^ "NFF Announces Star-Studded 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class". National Football Foundation. January 9, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  49. ^ "Memphis Tigers Football Future Schedules". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
[edit]