07-fbmg-coaches

Head Coach Tommy West ....................................................... 20-23

Coaches....................................................................

Assistant Coaches.................................................................... 24-33

Football Support Staff ............................................................. 34-36

Tommy West came to Memphis in 2000 as

the defensive coordinator and a year later became

the Tigers’ 21st head football coach. In just six

short seasons at the helm of the program, West

20 COACHING STAFF









took the U of M to three straight bowl games and

averaged eight wins a season in three of the last

four years.

Injuries plagued the Tigers the last two sea-

sons and took a toll on the depth chart. In addition,

after just the first three games of the 2006 season,

West was convinced that a change needed to be

made defensively and took over as defensive co-

ordinator.

While it took several weeks for the defensive

players to grasp the new system, there was a

marked improvement in the squad by year’s end. were invited to participate in senior post-season over East Carolina and USF on the road before

games, which brings the total to 15 participants ending the regular season at 8-3.

This was evident in the latter weeks of the season

since 2001. The eight wins marked the first time since the

when Memphis narrowly lost to UCF, 26-24, and

West, who came to Memphis after serving 1962 and 1963 seasons that Memphis had won

then a week later stunned eventual league cham-

as head coach at Clemson for five seasons, has eight or more games in back-to-back seasons,

pion Houston with a solid effort, forcing the Cougars

led the Tigers to a 26-23 record the last four years while the consecutive bowl appearances were also

into overtime and ultimately losing by a field goal.

and guided the U of M to three consecutive bowl a first in the program’s history. West took his Tigers

By the last game of the season, the Tigers were

appearances for the first time ever in school history. to Mobile, Ala., for the GMAC Bowl and dropped a

confident and handed UTEP a 38-19 loss at the

His 34 career victories at Memphis ranks fourth hard-fought decision to Bowling Green.

Sun Bowl on its Senior Day. It is that victory that

all-time in the Tiger record book. West has also generated major excitement in

continues to drive the squad as it look forward to

The Gainesville, Ga., native helped snap a 32- the city of Memphis for his Tigers. That was evident

a significant turnaround and prepare to return this

year U of M bowl drought in 2003 when he led his in 2004 when, despite the games being nationally-

program to national prominence.

squad to a 9-4 record, which included a victory over televised by ESPN, nearly 100,000 total fans turned

Following the 2006 season, the Tigers landed North Texas in the New Orleans Bowl. The last time out for the final two home games of the season. The

six players on the All-C-USA Team and kicker Matt that the U of M had been extended a bowl invita- 52,384 fans that witnessed Memphis drop a hard-

Reagan, receiver Duke Calhoun and defensive tion was during the 1971 season when Memphis fought 56-49 decision to then-14th ranked Louis-

lineman Greg Terrell were named to the league’s defeated San Jose State in the Pasadena Bowl. ville on ESPN, and the 47,163 fans who watched

All-Freshman Team. And, as in 2005, four Tigers The 2003 season was viewed by many as Memphis become bowl eligible with a 30-26 win

“magical,” and the bowl victory propelled Mem- over Southern Miss on ESPN2 helped the Tigers

WEST’S BOWL phis into the spotlight and gave the Tiger faithful a set an attendance record at Liberty Bowl Memorial

renewed spirit and heightened expectations. West Stadium. Memphis averaged 41,175 fans in its five

PARTICIPATION became just the fourth coach in school history to home games, and the Louisville game marked the

claim nine wins in a single season, and for his ef- largest crowd to attend a Memphis game versus a

AS A PLAYER forts, he was named the Coach of the Year by the non-Southeastern Conference opponent.

1972....................... Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl Tennessee Sports Writers Association. The 2005 season started early with a press

1973.......................................... Gator Bowl West and his Tigers embarked on the 2004 conference in January that led to the announce-

1974........................................ Liberty Bowl season knowing the bar had been raised and, with ment that star running back DeAngelo Williams

a veteran quarterback and an All-American running would return for his senior season. The cheers were

AS AN ASSISTANT COACH back, expectations were going to remain high. deafening as coaches, administrators and fans

1985............................ Independence Bowl The Tigers opened the 2004 campaign with a 5-1 celebrated Williams’ decision to remain a Tiger for

1986.......................................... Gator Bowl record, marking the best start for a Memphis squad 2005. With that announcement came a Heisman

1988..........................................Citrus Bowl since 1967. During that time, West led the Tigers Trophy campaign for Williams with the blessing

1989..........................................Citrus Bowl into the national spotlight as Memphis defeated Ole of West and his announcement that Williams was

1989.......................................... Gator Bowl Miss for the second-straight season and was listed certainly a candidate for the prestigious award.

1990..........................................Sugar Bowl No. 25 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. It was The squad began practice in August and

the first time ever that the Tigers were ranked by within weeks suffered what would become one of

AS A HEAD COACH the national entity. many injuries that would try to put a damper on

1993......................................... Peach Bowl Memphis also gained national attention as four the season. Memphis lost leading receiver Mario

1995.......................................... Gator Bowl of its last five games of the season were broadcast Pratcher just prior to the start of the season to a

1996......................................... Peach Bowl nationally by ESPN, including a Thursday night knee injury. Later, the Tigers lost starting quarter-

1997......................................... Peach Bowl meeting with Louisville which was a battle to the backs Patrick Byrne and Will Hudgens, as well as

2003.............................. New Orleans Bowl end for both squads. A week after the Louisville defensive lineman Rubio Phillips in the first three

2004........................................ GMAC Bowl game, the Tigers reached another milestone for the games of the season. By season’s end, Memphis

2005...................................Motor City Bowl program as the U of M became bowl eligible with had lost eight starters or potential starters, but was

a win over Southern Miss. Memphis notched wins still fighting for a third bowl appearance behind

them. Memphis also celebrated its first span of three- team placed a record number of student-athletes

WEST VS. ALL consecutive winning seasons since 1992-94, and on the Tiger 3.0 Club, and the squad turned in the

averaged eight wins over the three-year period. highest cumulative GPA ever with a 2.6. For the

OPPONENTS Several Tigers received post-season honors spring 2006 semester, the Tigers announced the

in 2005, including Williams, who was named the most 3.0 students ever with 32, and for the 2005-06

Akron .......................................................... 1-0 C-USA Offensive Player of the Year, and kicker Ste- school year, 62 Tigers had earned a 3.0 or higher.

Appalachian State ...................................... 1-1 phen Gostkowski, who was selected as the league’s West continues to bring quality student-athletes to

Arkansas State ........................................... 3-1 Special Teams Player of the Year. Eight Tigers were the campus as his last five recruiting classes have

Army ........................................................... 2-0 selected to the All-C-USA teams, five of which were produced high marks in the classroom, and his

Auburn ........................................................ 0-1 placed on the first-team squad. Williams was also 2003 freshman class amassed a cumulative GPA of

Bowling Green State................................... 0-1 named to several prestigious All-America teams and 3.1 in its first fall semester at the U of M. By August,

Chattanooga ............................................... 4-0 was a finalist for the 2005 Doak Walker Award. 2007, three Tigers (Brandon Patterson, Andy Smith

Cincinnati .................................................... 1-3 In addition, four Tiger seniors participated and Abraham Holloway) will have already earned

Citadel ........................................................ 0-1 in post-season all-star games, which is another a bachelor’s degree from the university. In the last

Duke ........................................................... 3-2 tribute to West and his staff. Both Gostkowski and three commencement ceremonies, 21 football

East Carolina .............................................. 3-2 Williams were invited to play in the 2006 Senior players graduated marking the largest group under









COACHING STAFF 21

East Tennessee State................................. 0-1 Bowl, while Tim Goodwell participated in the All- West. In addition, in nine of the last 10 semesters,

Florida State ............................................... 0-5 American Classic and Maurice Avery competed in football has posted a 2.3 or higher team GPA. That

Furman ....................................................... 4-0 the Hula Bowl. is quite significant as from 1984-2002, football

Gardner-Webb ............................................ 1-0 In the six years since West has been the posted a 2.3 GPA in only two total semesters.

Georgia ....................................................... 0-2 UM head coach, 50 Tigers have been placed on West was hired in 1999 under Rip Scherer

Georgia Southern ....................................... 0-1 the All-Conference USA Team, including Williams to serve as the defensive coordinator. Soon after

Georgia Tech .............................................. 3-2 who was named the league’s Offensive Player of the season opener against Mississippi State, West

Houston ...................................................... 4-2 the Year for three-straight years. Also with West had his defense ranked in the top five nationally.

Kentucky ..................................................... 1-0 at the helm, nine Tigers have been drafted to play The squad ranked as high as second in the nation

Louisville ..................................................... 1-3 in the NFL, including Williams and Gostkowski in during the year and finished the year ranked fifth

LSU............................................................. 0-1 2006 and defensive back Brandon McDonald in nationally in total defense and No. 1 in rushing

Marshall ...................................................... 2-1 2007. Williams was selected in the first round, defense. That season, Memphis limited nine of its

Maryland ..................................................... 5-0 while Gostkowski, a fourth-round pick, was the first 11 opponents to less than 100 yards rushing and

Mississippi .................................................. 2-4 kicker drafted in 2006. McDonald, who transferred no team gained more than 125 yards against the

Mississippi State ......................................... 0-3 to Memphis and started two years in the Tiger Tigers in 2000.

Missouri ...................................................... 0-1 secondary, was selected in the fifth round by the Also that year,

Murray State ............................................... 1-0 Cleveland Browns. the Tigers had

North Carolina ............................................ 2-3 A by-product of the national attention and five players

North Carolina State ................................... 3-2 newly-generated excitement has been a continued named to

North Texas ................................................ 1-0 upswing in recruiting at the U of M. West and his the All-

South Carolina ............................................ 3-2 staff continue to land more outstanding recruits Confer-

Southern Miss............................................. 3-3 from the Mid-South area, as well as some of the ence USA

Syracuse..................................................... 0-1 top prospects in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and first team de-

TCU ............................................................ 0-1 Louisiana. A renowned national recruiter, West’s fensive unit,

Tennessee .................................................. 0-3 2002, 2003 and 2004 classes were ranked among

Tennessee-Martin ....................................... 1-0 the top 50 in the country, while his 2005, 2004 and

Tennessee Tech.......................................... 1-0 2002 classes were touted as the No. 1 group in

Tulane ......................................................... 3-0 Conference

Tulsa ........................................................... 0-2 USA. West

UAB ............................................................ 0-6 and his staff

UCF ............................................................ 0-2 also continue

USF ............................................................ 2-2 to tap into the

UTEP .......................................................... 3-0 local talent,

Virginia........................................................ 1-4 and in the last

VMI ............................................................. 0-1 three seasons,

Virginia Tech ............................................... 0-1 have signed 35

Wake Forest ............................................... 4-1 players from the

Western Carolina ........................................ 1-1 Mid-South area.

Heading into the 2007

season, West boasts 45 Tigers on

the signal calling of senior “receiver-turned-quar- the squad from Tennessee and an ad-

terback” Maurice Avery. ditional 22 players from Mississippi. This

Avery became the fourth starting quarterback is remarkable considering that in 2001 when

for the Tigers in the Houston game, and led Mem- West took over as head coach, there were only

phis to a 5-2 record and a Motor City Bowl victory three players on the roster from the state of

upon moving under center. The 2005 Tigers had Mississippi. The number gradually increased

every excuse in the book to quit and hope for a and by 2003, Mississippi was represented by

better 2006, but West and his coaching staff did a 11 Tigers. The surrounding area has proved

tremendous job of pulling the team together and to be a hotbed for talent and West and his staff

keeping them on the right track. make a steady charge each year to keep local

That determination paid off as Memphis fin- standouts in Memphis.

ished with a winning record and a bowl invitation West also continues to stress academics

for the third consecutive season. Of the 117 Division to his squad, and his Tigers have responded

I-A football programs, only 29 were playing in their with some of the highest grade point aver-

third straight bowl game in 2005, and because of ages that the program has ever seen. In

West, the Tigers were proud to say they were one of the spring 2003 semester, the football

tanooga. The Mocs were 4-7 in 1993, and shortly

after their season ended, West was enticed to

return to Clemson and coach the Tigers in the 2003

Peach Bowl.

West was hired on November 29, 1993, and

led the Tigers to a 14-13 victory over Kentucky in

the Peach Bowl. With his debut in the Peach Bowl,

West became the sixth coach in NCAA history to

make his debut with a program in a bowl game.

However, at that time, he was just the second coach

in collegiate football history to make his debut in

a bowl game without previously coaching his new

team as an assistant coach earlier in the season.

During his tenure at Clemson, West recruited

the school’s all-time leading rusher, Raymond

Priester; the school’s all-time leading passer,

22 COACHING STAFF









Nealon Greene; and the school’s all-time leading

receiver, Rod Gardner.

In addition to the offensive talent he landed for

the Tigers, West had two linebackers named to All-

America teams and both were drafted in the NFL.

Anthony Simmons was named an All-American in

1996 and 1997 and was selected by the Seattle

Seahawks. Keith Adams was drafted by the Ten-

nessee Titans after enjoying All-America status

in 1999 and 2000, and Gardner was a first-round

selection by the Washington Redskins.

The 2006 season was a special one for Coach Tommy West as he was joined by his father, Jim, and his son, Not only did West’s recruits excel on the field,

Turner, at each home game. they also excelled in the classroom. Over the last

which tied the C-USA record for the most players nessee in 1990 and spent one season as the Vols’ two years of his tenure (1998-99 and 1999-2000),

from one school ever named to a first team. Nose Clemson’s football teams had a graduation rate of

running back coach. UT ended that season with a

tackle Marcus Bell, defensive end Andre Arnold, 75 percent, which ranked the school among the

9-2-2 record and defeated Virginia in the Sugar

linebacker Kamal Shakir, safety Idrees Bashir nation’s leaders in the classroom.

Bowl. West then traveled to the University of South West took Clemson to the Gator Bowl in 1995

and corner Michael Stone all received first-team Carolina, where he was the defensive coordinator

All-C-USA honors in 2000. Linebacker Coot Terry and the Peach Bowl in both 1996 and 1997. At the

in 1991 and 1992. time, only 16 programs in the nation could claim to

and corner Jason Brown were also named to the

C-USA All-Freshman Team defensive unit. Following his two seasons at USC, West have appeared in three-consecutive bowl games.

When the Tigers were in need of a new accepted his first head coaching job at UT-Chat- West also became just the second coach in Clem-

coach to guide the program, Athletic Director

R.C. Johnson had to look no further than in the U

of M football office. West was proven as a head

YEAR-BY-YEAR WITH TOMMY WEST

coach at Clemson and was also a favorite of the YEAR SCHOOL (ASSIGNMENT) RECORD BOWL CONF. FINISH

players. He took over the program shortly after 1979 Ole Miss (Running Backs) 4-7-0 - 7th

the 2000 season came to a close and set out to 1980 Appalachian State (Receivers) 6-4-0 - 3rd

build a nationally-recognized program that would 1981 Appalachian State (Offensive Coor.) 3-7-1 - 7th

consistently win and play in bowl games. 1982 Clemson (OLB) 9-1-1 - 1st

The Tigers struggled in 2001 and 2002 as 1983 Clemson (OLB) 9-1-1 - NA

would be expected for a program that had not seen 1984 Clemson (OLB) 7-4-0 - NA

a winning season since 1994. But, West was a 1985 Clemson (OLB) 6-6-0 Independence 3rd

relentless recruiter and managed to build a quality 1986 Clemson (OLB) 8-2-2 Gator 1st

staff, which led to one of the biggest turnarounds 1987 Clemson (OLB) 10-2-0 Citrus 1st

nationally. The Tigers turned in a 3-9 record in 2002, 1988 Clemson (OLB) 10-2-0 Citrus 1st

and just one year later managed a 9-4 record and a 1989 Clemson (OLB) 10-2-0 Gator 3rd

bowl victory in 2003. With three-consecutive bowl 1990 Tennessee (Running Backs) 9-2-2 Sugar 1st

appearances, Tiger fans were now chanting, “The 1991 South Carolina (Defensive Coor.) 3-6-0 - NA

Tradition Continues…” 1992 South Carolina (Defensive Coor.) 5-6-0 - 4th (E)

West, 53, joined the U of M staff after an 1993 UT-Chattanooga (Head Coach) 4-7-0 - 8th

extensive coaching career at Clemson University, 1993 Clemson (Head Coach) 1-0-0 Peach NA

where he had been an assistant coach from 1982- 1994 Clemson (Head Coach) 5-6-0 - 6th

89 and the head coach from 1993-98. 1995 Clemson (Head Coach) 8-4-0 Gator 3rd

Following his start in the coaching profes- 1996 Clemson (Head Coach) 7-5-0 Peach 2nd

sion when he served a season at Ole Miss (1979) 1997 Clemson (Head Coach) 7-5-0 Peach 5th

and two seasons at Appalachian State (1980-81), 1998 Clemson (Head Coach) 3-8-0 - NA

West served as an assistant coach at Clemson 2000 Memphis (Defensive Coordinator) 4-7 - T7th

and was responsible for the outside linebackers. 2001 Memphis (Head Coach) 5-6 - T7th

He was part of a coaching staff that led the Tigers 2002 Memphis (Head Coach) 3-9 - 9th

to a 69-20-4 record and six Associated Press Top 2003 Memphis (Head Coach) 9-4 New Orleans T3rd

20 rankings between 1982-89. During that time, 2004 Memphis (Head Coach) 8-4 GMAC T2nd

Clemson played in five bowl games, winning four, 2005 Memphis (Head Coach) 7-5 Motor City T2nd (E)

and claimed four ACC Championships. 2006 Memphis (Head Coach) 2-10 - 6th (E)

West left Clemson for his alma mater Ten-

WEST’S HEAD

COACHING MARKS

Overall ................................................. 69-73

Home Record ...................................... 42-31

Away Record ....................................... 24-38

Neutral Record ........................................ 3-4

Aug/Sept .............................................. 23-26

October ................................................ 20-26

November ............................................ 24-20

Outrush Opposition.............................. 59-18

Win Turnover Margin ............................. 37-7

C-USA Record ..................................... 21-27

C-USA Home Record .......................... 12-12









COACHING STAFF 23

C-USA Road Record ............................. 9-15

ACC Record ........................................ 21-19

ACC Home Record ................................ 11-9

ACC Road Record ............................... 10-10

Wins Over Top 25 ....................................... 4







son history to take the Tigers to three-straight bowl

games. He tallied a 31-28 record with the Tigers,

before traveling to Memphis to take on another

group of Tigers.

As a player, West earned three letters in his

four-year career at the University of Tennessee

(1972-75). The Vols played in three bowl games

WEST AT A GLANCE

and were ranked in a final Top 20 poll over the same FULL NAME

three-year span. He was co-captain of Tennessee’s Thomas Cleveland West

1975 football team and played in the Blue-Gray

All-Star Game that same year. BORN

He began his college career as a running July 31, 1954

back, but saw most of his playing time as a tight Carrollton, Georgia

end. He caught 37 passes for 575 yards in his UT

career, including 16 passes for 233 yards as a ALMA MATER

senior. As a junior, he caught an 81-yard pass from University of Tennessee, 1976

Condredge Hollaway, still the longest non-scoring Bachelor’s degree in health education

play in Tennessee football history. He earned a

PLAYING EXPERIENCE

bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennes-

Three-year letterman at tight end and two-year letterman for the baseball team at Tennessee

see in 1976 and was drafted by the Tampa Bay

Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1976

Buccaneers that same year.

West also played two seasons of baseball

FAMILY

for the Volunteers (1974-1975) and had a career Wife - Lindsay

batting average of .305. He hit .367 in 1975 and Son - Turner

was named All-Southeastern Conference Eastern

Division. COACHING EXPERIENCE

West began his coaching career as a gradu- 1979: Assistant (running backs) at Ole Miss under Steve Sloan - Ole Miss finished the season with a 4-7

ate assistant at Tennessee in 1977. He left the record and placed seventh in the SEC

Volunteers and coached one year of high school 1980-81: Assistant (receivers) at Appalachian St. under Mike Working - Was elevated to offensive

football at White County High in Sparta, Tenn., in coordinator in 1981

1978 before being hired as an assistant coach at 1982-89: Assistant (outside linebackers) at Clemson under Danny Ford - Clemson played in the 1985

Ole Miss in 1979. Independence Bowl, 1986 Gator Bowl, 1987 Citrus Bowl, 1988 Citrus Bowl & 1989 Gator Bowl

West was a multi-sport standout at Gaines- 1990: Assistant (running backs) at Tennessee under Johnny Majors - Tennessee played in the 1990

ville High School in Gainesville, Ga. He was an Sugar Bowl

outfielder in baseball, a guard in basketball and a 1991-92: Defensive Coordinator at South Carolina under Sparky Woods

running back in football. In 1972, he was named 1993: Hired as Head Coach at UT-Chattanooga and led Mocs to 4-7-0 record

a high school All-American in football and was 1993: Hired as Head Coach at Clemson to replace Ken Hatfield for Peach Bowl game

1994-98: Head Coach at Clemson - Led Tigers to a 31-28 record and appearances in the Gator Bowl

a second round draft choice in baseball by the

(1995) and Peach Bowls (1996, 1997)

Chicago Cubs organization. Willie Randolph, who

2000: Defensive Coordinator at the University of Memphis - Led the Tigers to a fifth place national

went on to an All-Star career with the New York

ranking in total defense and a number one ranking in rushing defense

Yankees, was one of the 77 future Major League 2001-Present: Hired as Head Coach at Memphis in 2001 to replace Rip Scherer - Has led Tigers to three

players drafted after West in the regular phase of consecutive winning records (2003-05) and post-season appearances in the New Orleans Bowl (2003),

the June 1972 draft. GMAC Bowl (2004) and Motor City Bowl (2005)

Born Thomas Cleveland West on July 31,

1954, in Carrollton, Ga., he is married to the former HONORS

Lindsay Watkins of Forest City, N.C. The couple Was inducted into the All-American Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 2002

has one son, Turner, who is a redshirt freshman Named Tennessee Sports Writers Association Football Coach of the Year in 2003

receiver on the Tiger football team.

Clay Helton, who recently completed his

seventh season with the Tigers, was promoted to

offensive coordinator in January 2007. In his new

position, he now will focus his attention on the Tiger

24 COACHING STAFF









quarterbacks.

When previous long-time coordinator Randy

Fichtner accepted a position with the Pittsburgh

Steelers in late January, Coach Tommy West

wasted no time in elevating Helton. The Tiger

veteran has often been the subject of praise by

West and was promoted to assistant head coach

in February 2004. He also previously served as Robinzine and Antonio McCoy. Jones was eventually and all-purpose yard record and was selected in

the Tigers’ recruiting coordinator. named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team. the first round of the 2006 NFL draft.

In the press conference to announce Helton The 2006 season started in much the same Helton coached at Houston from 1997-99 un-

as the Tigers’ new offensive coordinator, West way as Helton lost Robinzine in the season opener der his father, Kim Helton, before arriving on the U

said that he expected the offense to become one to a knee injury and both Dave Thomas and Antonio of M campus. While at UH, he directed the Cougar

of the most exciting and productive offenses in the McCoy were later sidelined for nearly half of the running backs for three seasons, and was respon-

country. He also touted Helton for his tireless work season with knee injuries. In addition, the defense sible in 1997 for the development of All-Conference

ethic and dedication. saw an increased number of injuries and receiver USA performer Ketric Sanford. Sanford combined

Helton has certainly proven himself over the Michael Grandberry was moved to defensive back. with Vaughn Innis to rush for over 1,200 yards, and

years, and it hasn’t been easy. He had his work Helton made the best of a tough situation and in 1998, placed second among all C-USA backs in

cut out for him in 2005 and 2006, as his receiving helped develop freshman Duke Calhoun into a le- all-purpose yards with 1,530.

corps suffered injuries and personnel changes gitimate threat as the Memphis native led the Tigers A native of Sugarland, Texas, Helton played

that left him with a younger, inexperienced group with 681 receiving yards and six touchdowns, and quarterback for Houston in 1993 and 1994, after

to work with. was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team. transferring from Auburn University. While playing

Prior to the start of the 2005 season, veteran Ryan Scott continued to be a consistent target for the Auburn Tigers in 1991, Helton received All-

Mario Pratcher suffered a season-ending knee injury. and wrapped up his career ranked fourth all-time in Academic Southeastern Conference honors. He was

Next, Memphis lost its two starting quarterbacks to receptions with 114 and seventh in receiving yards voted one of Houston’s team captains in 1994.

broken legs by the third game of the season, which with 1,527. Following graduation from Houston, Helton

meant that then-leading receiver Maurice Avery was Helton’s 2004 Tiger receivers accounted for entered the coaching profession as a member

called on to take over signal-calling duties. Helton refo- 25 touchdowns and 3,086 yards receiving, and of Fred Goldsmith’s staff at Duke University. He

cused his troops and got great production from veteran were part of an offensive unit that ranked second worked as a graduate assistant for Duke in 1995

wideouts Ryan Scott and Taz Knockum, as well as in Conference USA in total offense. The Tiger of- and was hired as the Blue Devils’ running backs

freshmen Maurice Jones, Earnest Williams, Carlton fense also ranked second in the league in scoring coach in 1996. While in Durham, N.C., Helton

and ninth nationally in total offense. helped to develop a Duke running game that fea-

Helton worked with the running backs during tured Laymarr Marshall, who tallied 13 touchdowns.

HELTON AT A GLANCE his first three seasons on staff before moving to The 13 touchdowns were the second-highest

receivers in 2003. At the time, Helton inherited a single-season total in school

BORN depleted receiving corps and coached the group history.

June 24, 1972

to one of its better seasons in years. Known for his Helton, 35, earned his

Gainesville, Florida

teaching abilities, Helton’s receivers responded bachelor’s degree in math-

ALMA MATER by setting school marks for receptions (260) and ematics and

University of Houston, 1994 yardage (3,419) in 2003. interdisci-

Bachelor’s degree in mathematics/ Helton played a huge role in the development plinary

interdisciplinary science of several young Tiger running backs, including science

Jeff “Sugar” Sanders and junior college transfer f r o m

COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE

Dante Brown, in his first two seasons on the UM Houston

1993-94: Houston (Quarterback)

1991-92: Auburn (Quarterback) staff. Sanders was a regular in the Tiger lineup, and in 1994.

Brown rushed for the fourth-highest single-season He and

FAMILY total in school history (902 yards) and set a Mem- his wife,

Wife - Angela phis record for rushing touchdowns in a game with Angela,

Children - Reid, Aubrey & Turner four against Helton’s alma mater, Houston. have three

In 2002, Helton helped a freshman named children; sons,

COACHING EXPERIENCE

DeAngelo Williams lead the nation in average yards Reid and Turner,

2000-Present: University of Memphis

1997-99: University of Houston per carry for four weeks of that season. Williams and daughter, Aubrey.

1995-96: Duke University was second in the nation in average yards per carry Helton’s father, Kim, and

after 11 weeks and finished the season tied for fifth his brother, Tyson, both

RECRUITING AREA in the country with 6.6 yards per carry. He later are on the coaching staff

Mississippi went on to set nearly every UM rushing, scoring at UAB.

Former UCF standout Darin Hinshaw is in his

first season on the Tiger coaching staff. He was

hired in March 2007 to coach wide receivers.

Hinshaw joins the U of M staff after serving









COACHING STAFF 25

one season as the offensive coordinator/quarter-

backs coach at Georgia Southern under former

head coach Brian VanGorder. In 2006, Georgia

Southern ranked 27th nationally in total offense,

averaging 359.9 yards per game.

Prior to his Georgia Southern stint, Hinshaw

worked at Middle Tennessee State for five seasons.

He was the running backs coach his first two sea-

sons, and was elevated to co-offensive coordinator

in February of 2003.

Under Hinshaw’s

guidance, the

MTSU offense Blue Raiders had two of the top five rushers in In 1996, Hinshaw played quarterback and

consistently led the SBC, along with the top overall rushing attack. was the offensive coordinator for the Granite State

the Sun Belt Record-breaker Dwone Hicks, who rushed for Warriors of the Eastern Football League, which

Conference over 1,000 yards, finished the year as the nation’s was made up of teams from New York and New

(SBC) and second-leading scorer. A year later, MTSU had the England. Hinshaw inherited a team that went 2-8

ranked nation- nation’s No. 21 ranked rushing offense, a 1,000- in 1995 and led it to a 14-2 record and a trip to the

ally throughout yard rusher and two of the top eight ground gainers national championship game.

the years. In in the Sun Belt Conference. Following a year in the EFL, Hinshaw went

2001, the In 2003, the Blue Raider offense went down as back to the Arena League to play for the Nashville

the highest scoring unit in the Sun Belt Confer- Kats. After a short stay in Nashville, Hinshaw en-

ence at 27.7 points a contest, including four tered the college coaching ranks at UCF.

games of 35 points or more. The unit ranked A 1993 graduate of UCF, Hinshaw was named

37th nationally in passing efficiency and had in 2004 to UCF’s 25th Anniversary Team. He earned

the fifth-ranked receiver in the country. his master’s in business administration from UCF in

In 2004, MTSU led the Sun Belt and 1996. He and his wife, Pam, have three daughters;

ranked 15th nationally in passing, while ranking Sydney, Hayley, and Carley, and a son, Darin Jr.

31st in the country in passing efficiency.

Hinshaw, 35, made his way to Middle

Tennessee after serving on Mike Kruczek’s

staff at UCF from 1999 to 2000. A record-set-

ting quarterback during his playing days for the

Knights, Hinshaw spent the 1999 campaign HINSHAW AT A GLANCE

as a graduate assistant with the responsibility

BORN

of coaching tight ends and assisting the head June 6, 1972

coach with the quarterbacks. Punta Gorda, Florida

In 2000, Hinshaw took over the quarterback

coaching duties — the first time someone other ALMA MATER

than Kruczek guided the quarterbacks since 1985. UCF

In that first season, Ryan Schneider threw for 2,334 Bachelor’s degree in finance, 1993

yards and 21 touchdowns and completed 62 per- Master’s in business administration, 1996

cent of his passes. COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE

As a player, Hinshaw set numerous school re- 1991-94: UCF (Quarterback)

cords for the Knights, including the career passing

mark with 9,000 yards. During his time under cen- FAMILY

ter, UCF had a combined 28-16 record, including Wife - Pam

a 9-3 mark and an appearance in the I-AA playoffs Children - Sydney, Hayley, Carley, Darin Jr.

in 1993.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Following his playing days at UCF, Hinshaw 2007: University of Memphis

began a career in professional football. After a 2006: Georgia Southern

brief stint with the Cleveland Browns, Hinshaw 2001-05: Middle Tennessee

spent two years with the Orlando Predators of 1999-00: UCF

the Arena Football League, helping the Preds to

the Arena Bowl where they lost to the Tampa Bay RECRUITING AREA

Storm in 1995. South Alabama & North Florida

Rick Mallory, one of the veterans of the Tiger

coaching staff, is entering his eighth season as the

Tigers’ offensive line coach.

Well-known for his teaching style, Mallory’s

26 COACHING STAFF









offensive line is consistently strong and disciplined

each season. In each of the last three years, Mem-

phis has led Conference USA in sacks allowed,

while averaging just nine sacks a season over that

period. In 2004, the Tigers gave up just five total

sacks.

In 2006, two Tiger linemen landed on All-

Conference USA teams as Memphis again led the

league, with just 14 total sacks on the year. Senior In 2003, the Tiger line allowed just 12 sacks, offensive guard prior to his junior year (1982). A

and went three-straight games without quarterback three-year letterman, he went on to earn All-Pac 10

Blake Butler earned honors on both the C-USA Me-

Danny Wimprine being dropped for a loss. Blake honors and All-Coast honors as a senior in 1983

dia and Coaches teams, while sophomore Brandon

Butler, who had been a consistent starter for the when he served as team captain. In the 1984 NFL

Pearce was a third-team pick on the All-C-USA

Tigers, was a C-USA All-Freshman Team pick in Draft, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buc-

Coaches Team.

2003. Frederic and Rone were also third team All- caneers as a ninth round pick and went on to play

Mallory’s line received much recognition dur-

C-USA picks in 2003. five seasons in the NFL.

ing tailback DeAngelo Williams’ storied run through

Mallory is also credited with guiding the Mallory, 46, earned his bachelor’s degree

the Tiger and C-USA record books. In 2005, the

development of former Tiger starter Wade Smith. in political science from Washington in 1983. He

Tigers ranked fifth nationally in rushing offense

Mallory helped Smith make the move from tight end and his wife, Shannon, have

much to the credit of the offensive front. Starting

to an offensive tackle slot, and Smith responded three sons, Ryan, Adam

guard Andrew Handy was named to the first team

by rapidly moving into a starter’s position. In April and Cameron, and two

All-Conference USA squad, and Pearce was se-

of 2002, Smith was a third round draft pick of the daughters, Naomi (4) and

lected to the C-USA All-Freshman Team. Memphis Miami Dolphins. Fiona (1). Adam and

also finished the season ranked sixth in C-USA in A native of Renton, Wash., Mallory joined the his wife Lindsey live

total offense. Memphis staff in May of 2000, and remained as a in Memphis. Their

The Tigers led Conference USA in 2004 for its member of the coaching staff when Tommy West was daughter, Delaney,

impressive sack denial and was part of an offense elevated to head coach in 2001. He had previously was born in

that ranked ninth nationally in total offense. Memphis spent five seasons at the University of Washington, June 2007.

was also second in C-USA in scoring, third in passing where he worked with four players (Mark Bruener,

and second in rushing – clearly a by-product of a vet- Ernie Conwell, Cameron Cleeland, Jeremy Brigham)

eran offensive line. In 2003 and 2004, veteran center that were selected in the NFL Draft.

Gene Frederic was a candidate for the Rimington Mallory, who was a graduate assistant coach

Trophy. He was also named to the All-Conference responsible for tackles, tight ends and the kicking

USA first team in 2004, while tackle Jeremy Rone game in 1992 and 1993, took over as a full-time

was selected to the league’s second team. coach for the Huskies midway through the 1993

season when Myles Corrigan was sidelined

MALLORY AT A GLANCE due to a heart condition. Working with the tight

ends, Mallory was fortunate to have Mark Bru-

BORN ener leading his position for a year-and-a-half.

October 21, 1960 Bruener became the Huskies’ all-time leader

Renton, Washington in receptions by a tight end, was named first-

team All-Pac 10 twice and was selected in the

ALMA MATER first round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh

University of Washington. 1983 Steelers. As a rookie, Bruener started in the 1996

Bachelor’s degree in political science

Super Bowl.

COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE In 1996, Mallory had Ernie Conwell take over as

1981-83: University of Washington (TE/OG) the starting tight end, and he went on to receive first

team All-Pac 10 honors. Conwell was taken by the

FAMILY St. Louis Rams in the second round of the draft.

Wife - Shannon In 1997, a Mallory-coached tight end claimed

Children - Ryan, Adam, Cameron, Naomi All-Pac 10 honors for the third-consecutive sea-

& Fiona son. Cameron Cleeland picked up all-league

honors and was later chosen by the New Orleans

COACHING EXPERIENCE

2000-Present: University of Memphis

Saints in the NFL Draft. The Huskies’ second tight

1993-98: University of Washington end, Jeremy Brigham, was drafted by the Oakland

Raiders in the third round.

RECRUITING AREA Mallory was a tight end himself at Washington

Florida as a freshman and sophomore, before moving to

Former Auburn standout James Joseph was

hired in late February of 2007 to coach the U of M

running backs.

Joseph spent the last three seasons in the









COACHING STAFF 27

same capacity at Troy University. The Trojans

captured their first-ever Sun Belt Conference title

last season, and defeated Rice in the 2006 R + L

Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

No stranger to big-time football, Joseph

played five seasons in the NFL in the mid-1990s

following a standout career at Auburn University

from 1986-90.

At Auburn, Joseph holds the distinction of

being the only Tiger player in school history to par-

ticipate in five Auburn-Tennessee football games.

He played as a true freshman in 1986 and was

In 1996, Joseph began working as an assis-

injured in the third game of the following season

tant football coach at Auburn High School. He

against Tennessee in 1987. He was granted a

worked there through the 2003 season before

medical redshirt and regained his sophomore

accepting his first collegiate coaching post.

season for 1988. Joseph earned his bachelor’s degree in

Joseph helped lead Auburn to three-con- human development from Auburn in 1997. He

secutive Southeastern Conference championships has three children, Jonathan, Jeremy and Jamey.

(1988-90) and still ranks ninth in school history in

rushing yards with 2,264 yards on 452 carries. He

also scored 16 career touchdowns for the Tigers.

Auburn participated in five bowls games during his

career: Citrus (1986), Sugar (1987 and 1988), Hall

of Fame (1989) and Peach (1990).

In 1991, Joseph was selected in the seventh

round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia

Eagles. As a rookie, he tallied 440 yards on 135 car-

ries. Joseph played four seasons for the Eagles and

one season with the Cincinnati Bengals, amassing

823 yards and three touchdowns on 250 carries.

Upon completing his NFL career, Joseph returned

to school and began his coaching career.



JOSEPH AT A GLANCE

BORN

October 28, 1967

Phenix City, Ala.



ALMA MATER

Auburn, 1997

Bachelor’s degree in human development



COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE

1986-90: Auburn (Running Back)



FAMILY

Children - Jonathan, Jeremy & Jamey



COACHING EXPERIENCE

2007: University of Memphis

2004-06: Troy University

1996-03: Auburn HS



RECRUITING AREA

Fulton County, Ga., South Florida & East

Central Alabama

In a much-anticipated press conference

on February 22, 2007, Coach Tommy West an-

nounced the hiring of Rick Kravitz as the Tigers’

defensive coordinator. In addition to leading the

28 COACHING STAFF









UM defense, Kravitz will also focus primarily on

the Tiger safeties.

Kravitz, a 22-year coaching veteran, spent the

2006 season as the N.C. State safeties coach and

special teams coordinator. In 2006, the Wolfpack

ranked 13th nationally in pass defense and 36th

overall in total defense. In addition, Kravitz helped

direct junior kick returner Darrell Blackman, who

ranked fourth in the nation in kickoff returns with

an average of 28.89 yards per return.

Prior to joining Chuck Amato at N.C.

State, Kravitz spent

10 years at the

University of (USF) as assistant head coach and defensive High in 1979, and then served four seasons as an

South Florida coordinator. assistant coach at Countryside High.

Hired in December of 1995, Kravitz quickly A native of St. Petersburg, Fla., Kravitz played

developed the Bulls’ defense into one of the most at Troy State, competing as a defensive end and

consistent units in college football throughout a offensive tackle between 1974-76. He earned his

rapid ascent into Division I-A. bachelor’s degree from Troy State in physical edu-

The defensive coordinator from the inception cation in 1977 and later earned a master’s degree

of USF football, Kravitz added assistant head coach in administration and supervision in 1987 while

to his title in 2001, the same season he switched serving as an assistant coach at FAMU.

his emphasis to the secondary after coaching the Kravitz has a daughter, Kristin (26), and is

linebackers in his first four seasons. married to the former Jo Ann Howell of Tampa, Fla.

The USF defense finished 17th in the nation in Kristin is married to Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitcher

2002, 2003 and 2005 and ranked seventh against Doug Waechter.

the run in 2002, allowing just 87.18 yards per

game. That same year, USF led the nation

in turnover margin, forcing 36 miscues, (22

interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries.) In

KRAVITZ AT A GLANCE

2005, USF ranked third nationally in fumbles BORN

recovered and sixth August 6, 1954

in pass defense. St. Petersburg, Florida

The Bulls’ defensive

unit also ranked in the ALMA MATER

top15 in scoring defense, Troy State. 1977

Bachelor’s degree in physical education

turnovers gained and Florida A&M, 1987

sacks that same season. Master’s in administration and supervision

Kravitz, 53, was

tabbed as one of the “top-5 COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE

toughest college assistants to 1981-83: Troy State (DE/OT)

replace among those who accepted

new positions” after the 2005 season by senior FAMILY

Wife - Jo Ann

writer Bruce Feldman of ESPN The Magazine. Daughter - Kristin

A college defensive coordinator since 1986,

Kravitz joined USF from West Alabama, where COACHING EXPERIENCE

he had been the assistant head coach and de- 2007: University of Memphis

fensive coordinator in 1994 and 1995. He joined 2006: North Carolina State

the staff at West Alabama after eight years as the 1996-05: South Florida

defensive coordinator at Florida A&M where he 1994-95: West Alabama

1986-93, 1985/GA: Florida A&M

coached six All-Americans and had 10 players 1980-84: Countryside High School

drafted into the NFL. 1979: Lakewood High School

Prior to joining the college coaching ranks,

Kravitz was a coach and teacher at two Pinellas RECRUITING AREA

County high schools from 1979-83. He first entered Nashville, West Tennessee, Tampa & St.

coaching as a defensive coordinator at Lakewood Petersburg, Fla.

Former University of Louisiana-Lafayette

defensive coordinator Brent Pry was hired in late

February to take over the Tiger defensive line.

Pry joined the U of M staff after working the









COACHING STAFF 29

last five years at ULL where he served as assis-

tant head coach and defensive coordinator. He

coached the Ragin’ Cajuns’ linebackers for five

years and was promoted to assistant head coach

in 2004.

UL-Lafayette had its first winning record since

1995 when the Ragin’ Cajuns ended the 2005

season with a 6-5 record and a Sun Belt Confer-

ence title. In 2005, ULL closed out the season with

a five-game winning streak. During that time, the

defense allowed just 18 points per game.

In 2004, the Cajuns allowed just 174.5 pass-

ing yards per game, which ranked 11th nationally. East title and a Sugar Bowl victory.

Under Pry, three defensive players were selected A free safety at Maryville College in 1988,

in the NFL Draft. Pry later transferred to Buffalo, where he played

A native of Lexington, Va., Pry was an as- under former New Orleans Saints head coach Jim

sistant coach at Western Carolina (WCU) for four Haslett. Pry sat out the 1989 season and lettered

years (1998-2001) before joining the ULL staff. He in 1990 and 1991. He suffered a career-ending

coached the defensive line for two seasons before injury in 1991 and returned to the field as a student

moving to defensive backs and special teams the assistant coach for the 1992 season. Pry earned

latter two years. In 1998, WCU finished ninth in his bachelor’s degree in history in 1993.

Division I-AA in total defense. Pry began his coaching career at East

In 2001, he helped the Catamount defense to Stroudsburg University as an outside linebackers

a No. 1 ranking in touchdown passes allowed with coach in 1993 and worked with defensive backs in

just five. In addition, Pry’s secondary was ranked 1994.

third nationally in pass defense. Coaching runs in the family, as his father,

From 1995-98, Pry was a graduate assistant at Jim, is an assistant coach at Illinois and

Virginia Tech with the defensive line. While there, his brother, Jonathan, is on the coach-

the Hokies ranked No. 1 in the nation against the ing staff at South Carolina State.

run and fourth in scoring defense en route to a Big This summer, Pry and

his wife, Amy, were married

in Rayne, La. The couple

PRY AT A GLANCE has a five-year-old son,

Colby.

BORN

April 1, 1970

Altoona, Pennsylvania



ALMA MATER

Buffalo, 1993

Bachelor’s degree in history



COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE

1990-91: Buffalo (Free Safety)

1988: Maryville College (Free Safety)



FAMILY

Wife - Amy

Stepson - Colby



COACHING EXPERIENCE

2007: University of Memphis

2002-06: University of Louisiana-Lafayette

1998-01: Western Carolina

1995-98/GA: Virginia Tech

1993-94: East Stroudsberg



RECRUITING AREA

Tennessee

Kenny Ingram is entering his second season

with the Tigers and is the veteran of the defensive

staff. The Memphis native was hired in March 2006

to guide the linebackers.

30 COACHING STAFF









Ingram inherited a young group of linebackers

in 2006, and his charges responded by leading the

way in tackles last season. Three of the five lead-

ing tacklers on the squad were linebackers, led by

Heath Grant who was second with 81 stops. Grant

also led the team in fumble recoveries with two and

logged two interceptions. Quinton McCrary and

Greg Jackson ranked third and fourth, respectively,

in tackles. McCrary registered 70 tackles and a

forced fumble, while Jackson totaled 69 tackles,

which included seven TFL for minus 15 yards.

Grant, McCrary and Jackson all return in 2007

as will Jake Kasser, who played in all 12 games last

season and ranked seventh in tackles with 46. In

addition, Ingram will have the services of letterwinner

Jeremy Rockette, junior college standout Tommy

Phelps, and redshirt freshmen Jeremy Longstreet,

Winston Bowens and Corderick Govan. With this

mix of youth and experience, Ingram looks to put a

competitive group on the field in 2007.

No stranger to Memphis, Ingram coached at

Melrose High School, where he was credited with re-

turning the program to prominence. He was the head





coach from 2002-04 and posted a 37-4 overall record December 1999.

after serving as assistant head coach and defensive Ingram and his wife, Carla, have five children;

coordinator from 2001-02. He led the school to one Kendrien, Taylor, Kameron and twins Kennedy and

appearance in the state finals and a pair of appear- Karleigh.

ances in the state semifinals.

Ingram was a three-time Re-

gional Coach of the Year and was INGRAM AT A GLANCE

the Commercial Appeal’s 2004

Coach of the Year for Metro Memphis. BORN

He also was selected to serve as the Liberty March 16, 1971

Memphis, Tenn.

Bowl All-Star Game defensive coordinator in 2003

and was a member of the Tennessee East-West ALMA MATER

Shrine All-Star Game coaching staff that same season. Arkansas State, 1999

In addition, Ingram was elected as an assistant coach Bachelor’s degree in political science

for the 2004 Tennessee-Kentucky All-Star Game.

In his three seasons at Melrose, he coached COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE

17 players who signed scholarships to play college 1988-93: Arkansas State (DE)

football.

FAMILY

Ingram, 36, spent the 2005 season as defen- Wife - Carla

sive line coach at Tennessee State University, and Children - Kendrien, Taylor, Kameron,

was responsible for recruiting his hometown area Kennedy & Karleigh

of Memphis and West Tennessee.

Previously, Ingram taught and coached at COACHING EXPERIENCE

Corry Middle School and worked in the Youth 2006-Present: University of Memphis

2005: Tennessee State

Habilitation Center prior to moving to Melrose.

2002-04: Melrose High School Head Coach

A standout locally at Whitehaven High, Ingram 2001-02: Melrose High School Asst. Coach

played college football at Arkansas State, where he 2000: Corry Middle School

was a four-year letterman from 1988-93. He was

the team co-captain in 1992-93, and received his RECRUITING AREA

bachelor’s degree in political science from ASU in North Georgia, Chattanooga and Memphis

Former Tulsa assistant coach Derek Jones

was hired in January 2007 to guide the Tiger corner-

backs. This is the first season that the secondary

will be split between two coaches, as defensive









COACHING STAFF 31

coordinator Rick Kravitz will lead the safeties.

Jones coached cornerbacks one season at

Tulsa after serving as an assistant at Middle Ten-

nessee State and Murray State. In 2006, Tulsa fin-

ished the year with an 8-5 record and lost to Utah in

the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. That same

season, the Hurricane defense ranked first in the

league in pass defense and total defense. Tulsa’s

defense also ranked second in C-USA in scoring

defense, allowing its opponents just 20 points per

game.

Prior to joining Tulsa’s staff

in 2006, Jones spent the 2005

season as the cornerbacks

coach at MTSU. The Blue

Raiders’ defense showed a

vast improvement statisti- MTSU, Jones spent five seasons (2000-04) at Ole Miss in 1996. Following graduation, Jones

cally from the previous year, Murray State serving as the cornerback coach played professionally for the Toronto Argonauts

ranking 30th in the nation in and recruiting coordinator. Jones coached seven and Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football

pass defense and 34th in all-conference performers in his five years with League and the Nashville Kats of the Arena Foot-

interceptions. the Racers. ball League. An injury ended his playing career in

Before his In 2004, Jones’ secondary played 1998.

one-year stint at a major role in Murray State ranking 11th Jones, 33, and his wife, Naketa, have one

nationally in total defense and 23rd in daughter, Madison. He has another daughter,

scoring defense in Division I-AA. Darquisha, 16.

The Racers ranked second in

pass defense in the Ohio

Valley Conference and

40th nationally. A year

earlier, the Murray

State defensive unit

ranked first in pass

defense in the OVC JONES AT A GLANCE

and fourth nationally.

A native of Wood- BORN

ruff, S.C., Jones en- June 6, 1974

tered the coaching Spartanburg, S.C.

ranks at his alma ma-

ALMA MATER

ter, Ole Miss, in 1998 as a Ole Miss, 1996

graduate assistant for football opera- Bachelor’s degree in public administration

tions and recruiting. He served as a

defensive graduate assistant a year COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE

later. 1993-96: Ole Miss (Cornerback)

As a player, Jones was the team

FAMILY

captain for the 1995 and 1996

Wife - Naketa

seasons and earned second team Children - Madison & Darquisha

All-SEC honors as a junior and se-

nior cornerback. Following his senior COACHING EXPERIENCE

season, Jones was selected to play in 2007: University of Memphis

the 1996 Blue-Gray All-Star Classic. He 2006: Tulsa

was also a standout in track and field for 2005: Middle Tennessee State

2000-04: Murray State

the Rebels, earning All-SEC honors in

1998-99/GA: Ole Miss

the 4x400-meter relay and reaching the

nationals in that event as well. RECRUITING AREA

Jones earned his bachelor ’s Memphis and Mississippi

degree in public administration from

Former Tulane assistant coach Garret Ch-

achere was hired this past winter and will take over

duties with the Tiger special teams unit.

Chachere spent the last eight years at his

32 COACHING STAFF









alma mater, Tulane, where he coached the Green

Wave linebackers and special teams. He was also

involved in recruiting Louisiana, Texas, Florida and

the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In 2002, the Green

Wave received an invitation to the Hawai’i Bowl

and defeated host Hawai’i for the title.

During his stint at Tulane, Chachere helped de-

velop linebacker Anthony Cannon who was drafted

by the Detroit Lions. Cannon earned first-team

All-C-USA honors in 2005 and logged four-straight

100-tackle seasons en route to ranking third all-time

in C-USA in tackles.

In addition, Chachere worked on a daily basis

with the Tulane Athletics Academic Services depart-

ment to monitor the academic progress of all Green

Wave football student-athletes. serving as linebackers coach at Nicholls State

A running back for the Green Wave, Chachere from 1995-97.

played two seasons for Mack Brown and Greg Da- During his tenure in Thibodaux, La.,

vis and was a member of the 1987 Independence the Colonels advanced to the 1996 NCAA

Bowl Team. Division I-AA national playoffs and at

A New Orleans native, Chachere began his the time were part of the biggest season

coaching career as a student assistant for Tulane turnarounds in NCAA Division I history.

in 1991 while completing his bachelor’s degree in Chachere, 38, left the Colonels and

communications. moved north to Monroe, La., in 1998 to coach

Upon graduation, he moved to Pennsylvania tight ends at Northeast Louisiana (now UL-

for three years and coached defensive backs at Monroe) before heading back to New Orleans

Cheney State (1992), Bloomsburg (1993) and to begin his eight-year tenure with the Green

Bucknell (1994) before returning to Louisiana and Wave.

He is currently the chairman of

the program committee for the

CHACHERE AT A GLANCE American Football Coaches As-

sociation. In 2002, Chachere

BORN was selected by the NFL for a

March 17, 1969

New Orleans, La.

coaching internship with the

Seattle Seahawks.

ALMA MATER Chachere is married to

Tulane, 1992 the former Lauren Duples-

Bachelor’s degree in communications sis of Hampton, Va. The

couple has three sons;

COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE Grant, Noah and Jackson.

1987-88: Tulane (Running Back)



FAMILY

Wife - Lauren

Children - Grant, Noah & Jackson



COACHING EXPERIENCE

2007: University of Memphis

1999-2006: Tulane

1998: Northeast Louisiana

1995-97: Nicholls State

1994: Bucknell

1993: Bloomsburg

1992: Cheyney State

1991/SA: Tulane



RECRUITING AREA

Louisiana, Florida Panhandle, Mobile, Ala.

John Flowers is in his 23rd season as a mem-

ber of the Tiger football staff. He came to Memphis

in 1985 and currently serves as Tommy West’s

director of football operations. In that capacity, he









COACHING STAFF 33

oversees the day-to-day running of the football

office, as well as coordinating team travel and

camps.

Since his arrival in Memphis, Flowers has

worked under head coaches Rey Dempsey (1984-

85), Charlie Bailey (1986-88), Chuck Stobart

(1989-94), Rip Scherer (1995-2000) and West

(2001-present).

Several years ago, Flowers was involved with

the renovation of the Murphy Athletic Complex

and the new addition to the complex that included

football locker rooms, coaches’ locker rooms and

meeting rooms, video rooms, media

interview rooms, as well as games, he can be found setting up and A graduate of Southern Illinois University,

training rooms, equipment hosting the Memphis football recruiting Flowers played for the Salukis in the 1970s and

rooms and locker rooms area and welcoming visitors to Liberty received his bachelor’s degree in health education

for other sports. Bowl Memorial Stadium. He also serves from SIU in 1977. As a player, Flowers was nomi-

Flowers is primarily as a guest speaker for Tiger football nated for UPI Lineman of the Week after registering

responsible for the move- around the Mid-South and often fills in 18 tackles, six sacks, one pass break-up and a

ment of the Tiger foot- when West is unavailable. blocked punt against the Northern Illinois Univer-

ball team at both home Flowers came to Memphis after sity. He lettered for four years for the Southern

games and road contests. serving in the high school coaching Illinois defense.

He works hand-in-hand ranks for seven years in the state Flowers, 52, spends his free time with his

with hotel management in of Illinois. He entered the coaching family and also enjoys hunting, fishing and playing

arranging player and profession as an assistant coach at golf. He and his wife, LuAnn, have two daughters,

staff rooms, as Lincoln High School and became the Brittany and Brooke. Brittany and her husband,

well as team head coach in 1983. His 1984 squad Judd Rhodes, have two children, Olivia and Gra-

meals. During posted a 9-2-0 record and appeared in cie. Brooke, who graduated from the University of

Tiger home the state playoffs. Memphis in 2004, is currently teaching at Dexter

Middle School. She married Jensen Pilant this

past spring.









FLOWERS AT A GLANCE

BORN

December 7, 1954

Fillmore, Illinois



ALMA MATER

Southern Illinois, 1977

Bachelor’s degree in health education



COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE

1973-76: Southern Illinois (DL)



FAMILY

Wife - LuAnn

Children - Brittany & Brooke



COACHING EXPERIENCE

1985-Present: University of Memphis

1978-84: Lincoln High Scool

TIGER FOOTBALL SUPPORT STAFF

34 COACHING STAFF









David Davis is in his second year working with the Shawn Howe is in his first season working with Murray Armstrong, who is the facilities coordinator

Tiger coaching staff. This season, he will serve as an the Tiger football program. He is serving as a video of the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex, has served

offensive graduate assistant and will work closely with graduate assistant for the 2007 season. under eight head football coaches during his 45-year

offensive line coach Rick Mallory. Howe came to Memphis after working as a volun- tenure at the University of Memphis. He was hired by

No stranger to Tiger football, Davis played for teer assistant for one year at N.C. State. While there, former head coach and athletic director Billy J. Murphy

Mallory in 2003-04 after transferring to Memphis from he assisted with game-plan development, prepared in 1962.

Itawamba Community College in 2002. Davis played scouting reports, assisted defensive line coach Todd Armstrong has been involved with every facet of

college football at Memphis. He has been an assistant

in 25 career games for the Tigers, making 11 starts. Stroud and helped with film breakdown. Howe previ-

freshman coach, head freshman coach, varsity defen-

He was part of a UM offensive line that allowed just ously worked with Tiger defensive coordinator Rick

sive end coach, kicking coach, special teams coach,

five sacks in 2004, which led Conference USA. Kravitz while both were at N.C. State. academic advisor and administrative aid, during his

A native of Hamilton, Miss., Davis will assist with Howe played defensive end and linebacker at tenure with the Tigers. For 33 years, he and his wife,

film breakdown and scouting reports, and will be re- College of the Redwoods and earned first-team All- Joan, managed the U of M athletic dorm which housed

sponsible for scout team preparations on a daily basis. Mid-Empire Conference honors in 2000 and was the more than 160 male athletes.

Last season, Davis was one of two graduate assistants team’s Defensive Lineman of the Year. He transferred A 1961 graduate of the University of Tennessee,

in the video department. to Rocky Mountain College and was a two-year starter Armstrong lettered three years on offense and de-

Davis graduated from the U of M in August, 2004, at defensive end for the Battlin’ Bears. fense for the Volunteers under Coach Bowden Wyatt.

with a bachelor’s degree in sports management. He A native of Portland, Ore., Howe graduated from He was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference

is currently working towards a master’s degree in sport RMC in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in physical academic selection in 1958, and was recognized as

and leisure commerce. In addition to his on-field du- education and health. Upon completing his eligibility SEC Player of the Week, October, 4, 1958, following

ties, Davis also assists with the Tommy West Camp at RMC, Howe served as an assistant coach at his the UT-Mississippi State contest at Crump Stadium in

during the summer. alma mater and worked with the outside linebackers. Memphis. In that game, Armstrong became the first

He was also the film coordinator and regional recruiter Vol to score on both offense and defense in a single

for Washington and Oregon. He coached at RMC until meeting.

January 2006 when he moved to Raleigh, N.C., to work Armstrong received his degree in sociology

and biology from UT and later earned his master’s

as a volunteer coach at N.C. State.

degree at the University of Memphis. In May 1998,

Armstrong was recognized by the Memphis Chapter

of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame for

his outstanding contribution to the Memphis football

program. In September 1999, he was inducted into

the M Club Hall of Fame, and one year later earned

recognition into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

The Armstrongs have two sons Sterritt: a 1990

West Point graduate, and Brence, a 1997 graduate

of Memphis.

Scott Vogel, who worked as a video graduate as-

sistant last season, will serve as a defensive GA in

2007. He will primarily work with defensive coordinator

Rick Kravitz and the Tiger safeties.

Vogel was a four-year letterwinner at defensive Walt Bell joins the Tiger coaching staff this season,

back for the Tigers, starting 32 games during his final serving as a video graduate assistant.

three seasons. He finished his career in 2004 with Bell came to Memphis after playing four seasons

192 tackles, eight interceptions and three fumble re- (2002-06) at Middle Tennessee State, where both

coveries. He scored his first collegiate touchdown on Darin Hinshaw and Derek Jones formerly coached. A

a 38-yard interception return against Tulane in 2003. walk-on for the Blue Raiders, Bell eventually earned

Following his junior season, he was selected to the a scholarship and was a versatile player. He started

All-Conference USA third team. out as a safety, but transitioned to wide receiver after

As a defensive graduate assistant, Vogel will assist several MTSU wideouts had been sidelined with inju-

with film breakdown and scouting reports. He will also ries. In addition to working as a receiver, Bell was a Darby Dunnagan is one of the newest hires for the

work closely with the scout team during practices. consistent contributor for the special teams unit, which U of M Athletic Department. She came to Memphis

A native of Memphis, Tenn., Vogel graduated in Au- included serving as a holder. from Marshall University and will serve as the video

gust, 2006, with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary A native of Dickson, Tenn., Bell earned both his coordinator.

studies. undergraduate and master’s degrees in just four-and-a Dunnagan’s responsibilities will include supervising

half-years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal a staff of student assistants who film football practice

justice administration (Dec., 2005) and a master’s on a daily basis and other various athletic events. She

degree in sport management (Dec., 2006). will also handle football film exchange with Memphis’

opponents and will cut practice video for the coaching

Bell worked this past spring as a graduate assis-

staff while utilizing the XOS SportsPro system.

tant coach at UL-Lafayette before making the move

A native of Rural Retreat, Va., Dunnagan has

to Memphis. He has also worked football camps at worked the last two seasons as a graduate assistant

Minnesota and Boise State. in the video department at Marshall. While at Mar-

shall, she prepared and distributed weekly opponent Kolditz’s responsibilities include serving as the (1992), an education specialist degree from Austin

exchange tapes, supervised student assistants and media contact for softball and the secondary contact Peay (1996), and a doctor of education degree from

assisted the video coordinator in the day-to-day op- for football, as well as overseeing the design and Tennessee State University (1999).

erations of the department. She earned her master’s development of the university’s athletic publications. Before joining Austin Peay in 1992, he worked in

degree in sports administration in May, 2007. His involvement in the media guide production has athletics at Indiana University and the University of

Currently the only female director of videography been recognized by CoSIDA in its publication contests. Dayton. He and his wife, Melissa, have three sons;

on the Division I level, Dunnagan got her start in ath- Most recently, the 2006 Memphis Soccer Media Guide Adam, Tyler and Ryan.

letics at the University of Virginia while working on a placed first in the nation in the multi-sport category.

bachelor’s degree in anthropology and sociology. She

A native of Sugar City, Idaho, Kolditz graduated in

was a student manager for the football team for two

2004 from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s

seasons before switching to the video department.

Dunnagan worked three years in video operations and degree in public relations. At BYU, he spent a year as

earned her bachelor’s degree in May, 2005. an intern in the sports information office working with

the baseball team. Kolditz also served a year as the

associate sports editor for the university’s award win-

ning daily student newspaper. He earned his master’s

degree from Memphis in 2005 in sport and leisure

commerce.









COACHING STAFF 35

Kolditz, 29, and his wife Tamara have two children;

Shelby (6) and Noah (2).



Amos Mansfield is in his third year as the Tigers’

head athletic trainer, having been hired just prior to

spring practice in 2005.

A native of Cincinnati, Mansfield spent four years

at Southern Miss and was the primary athletic trainer

Marc Hohorst joined the athletic department in the for men’s basketball, while also assisting with football.

summer of 2001 and is entering his seventh season He received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training

with the U of M. from the University of Alabama in 1996, and earned

Hohorst is responsible for purchasing, issuing, and his master’s degree in business administration from

maintaining all athletic equipment, as well as supervis- Mercer University in 1999. A NATABOC Certified

ing several student managers. He also oversees the Athletic Trainer, Mansfield is licensed by the State of

day-to-day operations of the equipment room at South Tennessee as an athletic trainer.

Campus, which services football, baseball, soccer, Valorie Lott enters her second year as an academic Mansfield, whose primary responsibility is the

track, softball and golf. counselor for football. Lott works on a daily basis with sports medicine needs of the Tiger football program,

During the fall of 2002, the Athletic Department suffered the football student-athletes in monitoring their prog- also served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at

a major loss when a fire on Halloween morning destroyed ress towards a degree, as well as providing specialized Mercer from 1996-99. In addition, he designed and

the turf room and most of the Tigers’ football equipment. tutoring if needed. implemented the sports medicine program at Stillman

Hohorst received high marks and praise for gathering Prior to joining the University of Memphis staff, Lott College in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He is a member of the

game day equipment from other universities in the area was employed by Student-Athletes Services at Baylor National Athletic Trainers Association, the Southeast-

and preparing the football team for its next contest.

University from 1998-2006. She served in various ca- ern Athletic Trainers Association and the Tennessee

A native of Lafayette, La., Hohorst joined the U of M

pacities including academic advisor for football, study Athletic Trainers Association.

staff from Arkansas State, where he was the supervisor

of equipment for three years. hall supervisor, graduate assistant and tutor. Mansfield, 33, is married to the former Anja Reese

Prior to his duties at Arkansas State, Hohorst In addition to serving as the football team’s of Columbus, Ga. The couple has a daughter, Ava,

worked for one year at his college alma mater, the academic counselor, she is a member of the National who was born in January 2007.

University of Louisiana-Lafayette, in a game manage- Association of Academic Advisors for Athletes (N4A).

ment capacity. He worked various ULL events, serving Lott is originally from Terrell, Texas.

as the visiting team host and organizing ticket sales

and records.

Hohorst graduated from the University of South-

western Louisiana (now called ULL) in 1997 with a

degree in physical education. He received his Louisi-

ana teaching certification that same year and served

as a substitute teacher in 1997 and 1998 at Youngsville

Middle School.

While at ULL, Hohorst also assisted in the equipment

room as a student and worked both the NCAA softball

regional tournament and Sun Belt Conference baseball

tournament as a tournament official. He spent one year

with the Lafayette Swamp Cats as the head equipment Angela McCarter is entering her third season as

manager before the team disbanded. the Tigers’ director of marketing. She worked three

Dr. Joe Luckey is in his sixth year as the Director years as the assistant marketing director before her

of Athletic Academic Services. He and his staff of promotion in January 2005.

counselors and tutors are instrumental in the success As the marketing director for the Tiger Athletic

of U of M student-athletes in the classroom. Department, McCarter oversees an assistant, two

A native of Cincinnati, Luckey came to the U of M interns and several volunteer students. Her depart-

from Austin Peay State, where he served as assistant ment is directly responsible for developing advertising

athletic director for academic services. In that capacity, campaigns and implementing in-game promotions

he advised and counseled more than 200 athletes in 15 for each of the 19 sports at Memphis. In addition,

sports, monitoring their academic progress and eligibil- McCarter works closely with the staff of Tiger Sports

ity with the goal of making sure each one graduated. Properties, a division of Learfield Sports, and also is

He also served as supervisor of the Student-Athlete responsible for various media trade agreements as

Advisory Council, a forum for student-athletes to ex- well as donation requests.

press their opinions and voice their concerns. A native of Memphis, McCarter joined the Tiger

In 1999, Luckey received the Lan Hewlett Award staff in 2001 after spending two years as an assistant

Brandon Kolditz is entering his second season as

for outstanding performance as an academic athletic director of marketing and publications for the Campus

an assistant in the media relations office. Prior to being

advisor. Recreation department at N.C. State. In that capacity,

brought on full time, he worked two years as a graduate

A 1991 graduate of the University of Dayton, Luckey she was responsible for all of the marketing efforts for

assistant at Memphis.

earned a master’s degree from Indiana University the program and implementing special events.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Mc- Prior to Mississippi St., Rodrigues served as as- Freshman Team in 1968 and received All-MVC honors

Carter worked in the Women’s Athletic Department in sistant SID for women’s athletics at Northern Arizona for the next three seasons. Stark received All-Midlands

marketing and promotions. She was responsible for University. She also served as interim SID at NAU and honors as a junior and senior and was named an All-

the marketing efforts for Lady Vols basketball, row- handled men’s basketball and football prior to accepting American by the Associated Press, UPI and Kickoff

ing, soccer, softball, track and field and volleyball. A the job at MSU. Magazine as a senior. He received his bachelor’s

member of the rowing team from 1995-96, McCarter The New Orleans, La., native received her bach- degree in education from the U of M in 1972.

received her bachelor’s degree in sport management elor’s degree in journalism at ULL, where she served Stark and his wife, Cindy, have two children, a

from UT in 1998, and earned her master’s degree in as a student assistant in the sports information office daughter, Keelie (20), and a son, Cody (11).

sport administration in 2000. from 1991-95. There she was the media contact for

Angela and her husband, Steven, have one daugh- volleyball and the nationally-ranked Lady Cajun softball

ter, Lainey (2). team.

Rodrigues, 34, is married to Mike Rodrigues, who

is an athletic trainer for Memphis City Schools. The

couple has a four-year-old daughter, Ally.

36 COACHING STAFF









Bob Winn, a native of Roanoke, Va., is in his 33rd

year with the U of M athletic department.

For 17 years, Winn served as Assistant Athletic

Fred Quarles is in his second year as an academic Director for Media Relations, and in May 2004 was

counselor for Tiger football. Quarles works on a daily elevated to Associate Athletic Director for External

basis with the football student-athletes in monitoring Affairs. He is responsible for overseeing Athletic Media

their progress towards a degree, as well as providing Sherri Schwartz, who is the Tiger football office Relations, Marketing and Spirit Squads, as well as

specialized tutoring if needed. coordinator, is in her seventh season working in the managing outside contracts and the relationship with

Prior to joining the University of Memphis staff, Tiger front office. Tiger Sports Properties.

Quarles was a graduate assistant in the academic Schwartz handles the day-to-day administration The chairman of the Conference USA Sports Infor-

service department for two years at Indiana State, of the football office, and also has extensive duties mation Directors in 1995-96, Winn is a 1974 graduate

where he worked with students on academic probation with recruiting. She is responsible for sending out of the University of Memphis, holding a bachelor’s

at the university. In addition, he worked in the academic recruiting mail-outs as well as inputting pertinent degree in journalism.

service department as a student-athlete mentor for two information in the recruiting database. Schwartz also During his tenure with the Tigers, he promoted

years. coordinates the recruits and their families when they 26 football All-Americans, including national award

While a student at Indiana State, Quarles was a are on campus for home football games. winners Joe Allison, who received the Lou Groza

three-time letterwinner on the football team. In addi- A native Memphian, Schwartz and her husband, Award in 1993, and Ryan White, who was named to

tion, he was a first-team recipient of the Arthur Ashe Jr. Steve, have two sons; Steven and Michael. the 2000 Playboy All-American squad, 12 basketball

Award. Quarles is originally from Indianapolis, Ind. All-Americans, five baseball All-Americans and three

track All-Americans.

In addition, Winn served as host for four NCAA

Regionals, six NIT Tournaments, five Metro Confer-

ence Tournaments, one Great Midwest Conference

Tournament and two C-USA Tournaments. He also

served as the official scorer for the Women’s NCAA

East Regional Golf Tournament in Memphis.

During the spring of 2003, he served as the interim

head golf coach for the Memphis men’s team and

witnessed his team placing sixth in the Coastal Caro-

lina Tournament and seventh in the Conference USA

Championships.

Mike Stark, who lettered for the Tigers for three Winn was inducted into the All-American Football

Jennifer Rodrigues, who is in her 10th year with years under former head coach Billy J. Murphy during Foundation Hall of Fame in May 1998, receiving the

the U of M, was elevated to Director of Athletic Media the late 1960s and early 1970s, is in his eighth year Scoop Hudgins Award for media relations.

Relations at the start of the 2004 football season. with the Tiger athletic department. In addition to his duties with the U of M, Winn has

Rodrigues is responsible for the publicity and pro- A native Memphian, Stark came to the University of served as the media coordinator for the PGA Tour

motion of the U of M football team, as well as oversee- Memphis after serving as defensive coordinator and stop in Memphis, the Stanford St. Jude Classic, for 33

ing the Athletic Media Relations Office. In 2005, she head strength coach at Cordova High School for two years and has assisted with the press box operation

spearheaded a highly-publicized Heisman campaign years (1998-99). He also worked as the head wrestling for the annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl, which is played

for DeAngelo Williams. coach for the Wolfpack. in Memphis in December.

In March 2000, she served as the assistant media Prior to joining the staff at Cordova High, Stark spent A 1966 graduate of Patrick Henry High School in

coordinator of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament/ 10 years as the defensive coordinator and strength Roanoke, Winn is a long time member of CoSIDA. He

1st and 2nd Rounds, and a year later served as the coach at Bartlett High School. During his tenure at and his wife, Susan, have a daughter, Casey, who is

media coordinator for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Bartlett, the Panthers posted an 87-39 record, made a 2005 graduate of the U of M.

Mideast Regional. In 2002, she volunteered at the seven appearances in the state playoffs and reached

Mideast Regional hosted by Marquette University. the quarterfinals four times. As the strength coach, his

For the last three years, she has served as the media teams won eight City Weightlifting Championships and

coordinator of the C-USA Basketball Tournament three Tennessee Weightlifting Championships.

hosted at FedExForum. Stark began his coaching and strength career at

A 1995 graduate of the University of Southwestern Trezevant High School in Memphis. From 1983-89, the

Louisiana (now UL-Lafayette), Rodrigues joined the Bears posted a 42-8 record, made the state playoffs

Tiger staff after serving two years as an assistant media three times and won a state championship.

relations director at Mississippi State where she was A graduate of the University of Memphis (then

the contact for women’s basketball and softball. She Memphis State University), Stark played football for the

also assisted in the game-day operations for football, Tigers for four years, serving as an offensive lineman.

volleyball and men’s basketball. He was selected to the All-Missouri Valley Conference