Larry Porter Named 22nd Head Coach of the University of Memphis Football Team

Strategic Insights -

Larry Porter's vision for the University of Memphis football program was sparked nearly two years ago, when he and the LSU football team were honored at the White House for winning the national championship. Porter, a former University of Memphis running back, saw the potential for the Tigers to achieve similar success. He has now been given the opportunity to make it happen, as he was announced as the UofM's 22nd coach on Sunday. Porter, who played for the Tigers in the 1990s, replaces Tommy West, who ended his nine-year run in a 33-30 overtime loss at Tulsa.

Key Takeaways:

  • Larry Porter, the first African-American UofM football head coach, is expected to bring a championship-caliber program to Memphis, citing his conviction, passion, and vision for the university.
  • Porter has never been a coordinator in his 12-year college coaching career, but has been a successful recruiter, earning two national recruiter of the year awards.
  • He received a five-year contract worth $750,000 annually and has begun recruiting for the UofM starting today, with a focus on keeping top Memphis-area talent from leaving for the Southeastern Conference and other BCS leagues.
  • Porter has identified about 10 local high school players who are open to playing for the UofM, including five with legitimate BCS and SEC offers.
  • He has expressed his willingness to be patient in hiring a staff, citing his desire to assemble a great team.
  • Tiger athletic director R.C. Johnson and several others have expressed confidence in Porter's ability to lead the program, citing his work ethic, success as a position coach and recruiter, and his readiness to take on the role of head coach.

Statistics:

  • 10: Number of local high school players that Porter has identified as potential recruits for the UofM.
  • 5: Number of players that Porter believes have a legitimate chance to attend the UofM despite having BCS and SEC offers.
  • 5: Number of years that Porter has spent at LSU, where he served as assistant head coach and running backs coach.
  • 2: Number of national championships that Porter's LSU team won during his tenure.
  • $750,000: Annual salary of Porter's five-year contract.
  • 12: Years of Porter's college coaching career, during which he has never held a coordinator position.
  • 2: Number of national recruiter of the year awards that Porter has won.

Sources:

  • The Commercial Appeal, "Larry Porter named University of Memphis' new head coach"
  • Phil Stukenborg, The Commercial Appeal writer