Memphis is on the brink of a major coaching shake-up, and it’s a move that could redefine the program’s future. According to sources close to On3’s Chris Low, Pete Nakos, and Brett McMurphy, the Tigers have set their sights on Southern Miss’ Charles Huff as their next head coach, with both sides actively working to seal the deal. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Huff, who led the Golden Eagles to a 7-5 record in his debut season—a stunning turnaround from the program’s 1-11 record the previous year—is no stranger to success. With a 39-25 record as an FBS head coach, Huff has proven himself as a consistent winner, most notably clinching the Sun Belt conference title with Marshall last year before making an immediate impact at Southern Miss. But is Memphis making the right call, or are they overlooking potential risks?
Huff, a 42-year-old coaching veteran, brings a wealth of experience from his time as an assistant at powerhouse programs like Alabama and Penn State. His ties to Tennessee, including his start at Tennessee State and a stint at Vanderbilt, could also play a pivotal role in recruiting and community engagement. However, this is the part most people miss: Huff’s ability to turn programs around quickly is undeniable, but how will his style mesh with Memphis’ high expectations? The Tigers, a perennial contender in the American Conference, boast a strong track record—their last losing season was back in 2013—and recently secured a $25 million NIL commitment from FedEx in 2024. Replacing Ryan Silverfield, who went 50-24 over six seasons before accepting the Arkansas job, is no small task.
Here’s the controversial question: Can Huff sustain Memphis’ success, or will the pressure of maintaining their elite status prove too much? His high-profile wins over Notre Dame and Virginia Tech at Marshall are impressive, but the American Conference is a different beast. As this breaking story unfolds, one thing is clear: Memphis is betting big on Huff’s potential. But will it pay off? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Huff is the right choice, or is Memphis taking a risky gamble?
