Memphis is poised to finalize a deal to appoint Charles Huff as the new head coach of its football program, according to information from ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The agreement is expected to be completed on Saturday, with Huff receiving a five-year contract.
At the age of 42, Huff recently concluded his first season with the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, achieving a record of 7-5. Before his tenure at Southern Miss, he spent four seasons as the head coach at Marshall, where he achieved a successful 10-3 record and secured a Sun Belt Conference title in 2024.
Memphis is seeking a fresh direction after the departure of Ryan Silverfield, who accepted the head coaching position at Arkansas. Silverfield led the Tigers to bowl eligibility for six consecutive seasons, marking a period of stability for the program.
Huff’s coaching resume is notable for its diversity and depth. He has worked as an assistant coach under prominent figures in college football, including Nick Saban at Alabama, James Franklin at Penn State, Dan Mullen at Florida, and P.J. Fleck at Western Michigan. This wide-ranging experience has contributed to his development as a leader in the sport.
In 2025, Huff took the helm at Southern Miss, a program that faced significant challenges in the previous season, finishing winless in conference play. His first year saw the team rebound, posting a 5-3 record in conference competition, a promising sign of his potential to revitalize struggling programs.
The decision to hire Huff reflects Memphis’s commitment to building a competitive football program capable of contending in the American Athletic Conference and beyond. As the details of the contract are finalized, anticipation grows for how Huff will shape the future of the Tigers.
With this new chapter, both Huff and the Memphis football program have an opportunity to make significant strides in the upcoming seasons. The hiring signifies a strategic move aimed at fostering growth and success within the team, while also enhancing the overall profile of the athletics department at Memphis.
