University of Memphis Athletics
West Named Tigers Head Coach
Nov 30, 2000 | Football
Nov. 30, 2000
Memphis, Tenn.-- -
Tommy West, the former Clemson head football coach who came to Memphis last year as defensive coordinator and led the Tiger defense to a sixth place national ranking in total defense and the number one position in rushing defense in 2000, has been hired as the head football coach at The University of Memphis. West, Memphis' 21st head football coach, replaces Rip Scherer, who was relieved of duties on November 20th after six seasons at the U of M helm.
"I am delighted to announce that Tommy West has accepted the head football coach's position at The University of Memphis," said athletic director R.C. Johnson. "We have talked to numerous applicants over the past ten days but when you compared their resumes, look at where they have been and what they have accomplished, it became obvious that Tommy West was the right choice for the Tigers.
"I have received ringing endorsements from athletic officials at Clemson, from other coaches, from players and supporters of this university. They were all complimentary of Coach West and the program he ran at Clemson and of the work he has done for our football team.
"Coach West will receive a five-year contract that offers a base salary of $139,725, $100,000 for radio and television and $10,275 for public relation appearances. There are also bonuses available for meeting certain incentives within his contract."
West came to the U of M campus in December of 1999 after spending five years with the Atlantic Coast Conference football power. He took over a Memphis defense that had been ranked 23rd in the nation in 1999 in total defense but had been unable to defend against the run. After allowing Mississippi State University just 127 total yards of total offense in the 2000 season opener, the Tigers found themselves ranked fourth in the nation in defense. A week later Memphis limited Louisiana-Monroe to just 176 total yards and in doing so, climbed to second place in the NCAA rankings. The Tigers never relinquished their top ten ranking throughout the season despite playing several nationally-ranked offenses.
Prior to his arrival in Memphis, West served as Clemson's head coach from 1993 through the 1998 season. He led the Tigers to post season bowl appearances four times during his tenure and his defensive units were consistently ranked among the nation's best. His resume as the head coach included 12 road victories, four wins over Associated Press Top 25 teams and the 1996 & 97 Peach Bowl invitations, as well as the 1995 Gator Bowl bid.
The 1997 Peach Bowl was Clemson's third consecutive bowl appearance, which only 16 other programs in the nation could claim at that time. West became just the second Clemson coach in the school's history to take the Tigers to three straight bowl games.
In 1995 Clemson finished the season ranked in the nation's Top 25 in every poll. The Tiger defense ranked 10th in the NCAA and Clemson finished third in the ACC standings and received a Gator Bowl bid.
The Tigers won five of their last six games in 1996, including a victory over 15th ranked Virginia. Clemson was again ranked among the nation's Top 25 teams and The Peach Bowl extended an invitation to the Tigers.
In 1997, West's team posted seven victories, including a 47-21 win over South Carolina in the season finale. The Peach Bowl again extended a bid to Clemson.
During his tenure at Clemson, West tutored 61 players who were named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll.
Additionally, he coached 20 players who entered the NFL and 29 players who received All-ACC honors. His teams set 86 records over a six year period, including 75 offensive marks for passing, rushing and receiving.
A native of Carrolton, Georgia, West played football and baseball for the University of Tennessee Volunteers from 1972-75. Working as a tight end, he caught 37 passes for 537 yards in his career. Following graduation, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A prep All-American football player, West was also a standout baseball player who was drafted in the second round by the Chicago Cubs out of high school.
West began his coaching career in 1977 as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee. He left UT in 1978 to become a coach at White County HS in Sparta, TN, before being hired as running backs coach at Ole Miss in 1979.
In 1980 he moved to Appalachian State University as receivers coach and became the offensive coordinator in 1981. He returned to Clemson in 1982 as outside linebackers coach. Between 1982 and 1989, Clemson had a 69-20-4 record and six AP Top 20 rankings. Clemson appeared in five bowl games during the eight year span and claimed four ACC championships.
Clemson's defense was ranked fifth in the nation in total defense in 1989 and four of his outside linebackers went on to careers in the NFL.
In 1990 West returned to his alma mater, Tennessee, as running backs coach and in 1991 was hired as co-defensive coordinator at South Carolina. He stayed with the Gamecocks for two seasons prior to being named the head coach at UT-Chattanooga in 1993.
West and his wife, Lindsay, have one son, Turner.
