Here is number two of four, if you want to catch up, here is the link below:
https://fanspo.com/nfl/s/college_football/p/ehkeG_1Wbo6Yb-/coach-candidate-tier-list-links
Memphis has been a top G5 school for a while, and have had three coaches in a row that all had enough success to become P5 coaches. It is really hard to pinpoint what they really need. They have always went after a coordinator with no HC experience, but with the changes in football from the last time they had a search, they may look at the experience point of view. I will still list coordinators, but I believe we will see a shift in them not.
Knows Beale Street Well
Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State (2025-?)
If you are unaware, Beale Street is a strip in Memphis and Memphis is where Jerry Mack is born and raised. If I were Memphis, my first option would be Mack as he has success turning a 2-10 Owls team to possible C-USA champs in possible months.
Coaches With HC Experience
Tyson Helton, Western Kentucky (2019-?)
This one is a weird one because there does not seem as reasoning to worry Helton will leave Bowling Green anytime soon, but like I mentioned in the USF list, there is always a possibility that he feels he won't be able to get a P5 job at this point at Western Kentucky and would want to go to the American and prove he can coach in the P5 as the American is seen as the conference in between.
Jason Candle, Toledo (2016-?)
Same reason as Helton, though, if he does leave it is for USF at this point and not for Memphis. The only reason he takes the Memphis job is if USF doesn't offer him and he is ready for a change of scenery.
Kane Wommack, Alabama (DC; 2024-?)
The former South Alabama HC has Alabama's defense looking solid in the SEC. It seems as if everywhere he goes in whatever position he is in, the team has better success with him than without. He was seen as a candidate in the Arkansas job, and rightfully so. Feel like the Memphis job would make sense if that is indeed the direction they want to go.
Coordinators On The Rise
Brian Hartline, Ohio State (OC; 2023-?)
Hartline just became the runner up for the Kentucky job and it all seems as if the Penn State job is not going to him either. Memphis might be his third option, but I honestly believe he can continue the success that Fuente, Norvell, and Silverfield all had had.
Buster Faulkner, Georgia Tech (OC; 2023-?)
I'm a big fan of the Yellow Jackets offense, it feels more old school. And when I say old school, I mean like ten years ago like Alabama, Derrick Henry or LSU, Fournette days (man, I'm getting old) where the offense relies more on the RB and the WR's. What makes this team more different is the fact they have a dual threat QB instead of a pocket passer which makes this team more lethal. Memphis has had success with QB's, bringing in Faulkner may bring in a kind of player they rarely see for the Tigers. (NOTE: I am aware Brendan Lewi is a dual threat and at one point led the QB's in rushing yards)
Tim Banks, Tennessee (DC; 2021-?)
A veteran defensive mind who has seemed to have somehow perfected the edge rush game popping out NFL pick after NFL pick, just lethal pass rushers that I have never seen a team, even a SEC school have so much talent in one position. If I am Memphis, I would want to see how I can get a piece of that action.
Coaches Who Want Back In
Hugh Freeze, former Ole Miss (2012-16) and Auburn (2023-25) Head Coach
He has ties to Memphis, some of it was mentioned on The Blind Side. As I believe Freeze is still a great coach, Auburn was a bad fit from the get go and with his health, he may be better off taking a break anyways.
Jimbo Fisher, former Florida State (2010-17) and Texas A&M (2018-23) Head Coach
Speaking of break, Jimbo is back wanting a redemption arc. He might as well be named for almost any job thrown his way, he has a better job than Coach O to get back in. It's just a matter of where.
Justin Fuente, former Memphis Head Coach (2012-15)
No one has mentioned his name because not many people want him back in after taking Virginia Tech to the dumps, but the man turned Andy Dalton and Paxton Lynch into household names. I would love for him to return to coaching, though it will probably be through a assistant job and Kirby might be opening up his own Saban... I mean Kirby Smart rehabilitation program. Maybe the first two patients should be him and Napier?
There is the Memphis list. Let me know your thoughts down below in the comment section!