University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Mourns the Passing of Joe Lee Dunn
Oct 27, 2021 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis is mourning the passing of former football defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn. Dunn was 75 years old.
Dunn served two stints as defensive coordinator at Memphis, one from 1990-1991 and then again from 2003-06. Considered by many in the coaching ranks as one of the innovators of the 3-3-5 defense, his coaching career spanned four decades.
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Lee Dunn," Memphis head football coach Ryan Silverfield remarked. "He was the innovator of many amazing defensive schemes still used to this day and he helped our program tremendously during his time as a Tiger. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Under Dunn's direction in the early 90's, the Tiger defense ranked consistently in the top-50 in rush defense, pass defense and total defense, despite playing against traditional powers like Old Miss, Mississippi State, Florida State, Alabama and Tennessee.
In his second stint with the Tigers, Dunn helped the defense which was ranked 101st in the nation in rush defense and 57th in total defense in 2002 to rankings of 18th in rush defense and ninth in total defense in 2003. In 2004, four members of the Memphis defensive unit earned All-Conference USA honors. In 2005, the Tigers led C-USA and ranked 27th nationally in rush defense and finished 36th in the country in scoring defense.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Dunn served two stints as defensive coordinator at Memphis, one from 1990-1991 and then again from 2003-06. Considered by many in the coaching ranks as one of the innovators of the 3-3-5 defense, his coaching career spanned four decades.
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Lee Dunn," Memphis head football coach Ryan Silverfield remarked. "He was the innovator of many amazing defensive schemes still used to this day and he helped our program tremendously during his time as a Tiger. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Under Dunn's direction in the early 90's, the Tiger defense ranked consistently in the top-50 in rush defense, pass defense and total defense, despite playing against traditional powers like Old Miss, Mississippi State, Florida State, Alabama and Tennessee.
In his second stint with the Tigers, Dunn helped the defense which was ranked 101st in the nation in rush defense and 57th in total defense in 2002 to rankings of 18th in rush defense and ninth in total defense in 2003. In 2004, four members of the Memphis defensive unit earned All-Conference USA honors. In 2005, the Tigers led C-USA and ranked 27th nationally in rush defense and finished 36th in the country in scoring defense.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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