Memphis fires football coach Larry Porter

Former Tigers’ star running back went just 3-21 in two years

Two years ago, Larry Porter was hired to replace long-time coach Tommy West and take the Memphis’ program to new heights.

West, who directed the Tigers for nine seasons, did suffer a 2-10 campaign in his final season at the helm. However, from 2003-2008, he took the program to an unprecedented five bowls in six years.

Porter, who starred at running back for Memphis State from 1990 to 1993, returned to his alma mater after stops as an assistant at Tennessee Martin, Arkansas State, Oklahoma State, and LSU. While in Baton Rouge, he earned the reputation as one of the nation’s top recruiters.

Memphis went just 1-11 last season with its lone victory coming over Middle Tennessee.

This year, the Tigers opened the season with blowout losses to Mississippi State (59-14) and Arkansas State (47-3) before proceeding to finish just 2-10. Their two wins came against FCS foe Austin Peay and two-win Tulane.

Thus, athletic director R.C. Johnson wasted no time in pulling the trigger and relieved Porter of his duties one day after the Tigers’ 44-7 loss in their season finale’ at CUSA East champ Southern Miss.

Porter concludes his two-year stint at his alma mater at 3-21 overall and 1-15 in CUSA.

Stay tuned to cusa-fans.com for updates on the Memphis coaching search.