The UofM announced a one-year extension for Mike Norvell’s contract. Norvell is now locked in as the leader of the program through 2023.
University of Memphis’ football head coach Mike Norvell introduced the new members of his coaching staff to the media during a press conference Jan. 12.
Norvell was enthusiastic about his new coordinators and said he believes he has constructed a strong group to lead the team.
“It’s an incredible group we’ve been able to bring together,†Norvell said. “From the experience these guys bring to our program to the level of success they’ve seen throughout their careers, I think they’re an absolute right fit.â€
Norvell said with defensive coordinator Chris Ball leaving the team to become the head coach of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, his top priority was to find Ball’s replacement. Former Marshall defensive coordinator Adam Fuller was the man chosen for the job.
Fuller spent his last six seasons with Marshall and took over as the defensive coordinator last season, leading one of the nation’s most productive defenses. Under his command, the unit ranked fifth among Football Bowl Subdivision teams in rushing yards allowed per game and 25th in points allowed. In those same categories, Memphis ranked 78th and 96th, respectively.
“What attracted me to the job was that this program has been really successful over the last three years,†Fuller said. “What I want people to say when they watch our defense is that we’re fundamentally sound and a technique-oriented defense.â€
Memphis Tigers head coach Mike Norvell runs out of the tunnel with his team.
Another important need for this offseason was to find a new offensive coordinator to replace Kenny Dillingham, who left the team to coach the same position at Auburn. He’s being replaced by former Texas Tech offensive coordinator Kevin Johns.
Prior to joining Memphis’ already potent offense, he was responsible for the Red Raiders’ 16th ranked offense in total yards and 24th ranked scoring offense. Before then, he was instrumental in making dynamic offenses in Northwestern and Indiana.
“From what I’ve seen with them [Memphis], they’re already a very explosive offense,†Johns said. “I know that this is Coach Norvell’s offense and his show. I’m here just to help in any way that I can. Of course, I’ll be looking out for little tweaks and ways that we can improve, but we don’t want to screw up a good thing.â€
The most experienced hire Norvell made was new special teams coordinator Pete Lembo, who most recently held the same position at Rice last season. He also has head coaching experience from his time at Ball State from 2011 until 2015.
Lembo spoke very highly of Norvell and expressed that his relationship with him, in addition to his favorable opinion of Memphis, played into his decision to join the staff.
“I’d seen the great job Norvell has done to make this a high-caliber program,†Lembo said. “Not to mention, Memphis is a remarkable place to live. What was the most interesting to me was to see how important this team was to the city and vice versa.â€
At the presser, Norvell also introduced some new assistants who would also be joining this new-look Tigers’ coaching staff. These assistants included: John Simon, who is the new wide receivers coach; Deke Adams, who is the new defensive line coach; Kevin Clune, who was promoted to linebackers coach; and Tony Tokarz, who was promoted to tight ends coach.
“At the end of the day, Coach Norvell is about developing people,†Tokarz said. “That’s not just with football, that’s with everything. So, with me being here for a few seasons, I’ve gotten a level of comfort here, and I’m excited to take over for a more expanded role.â€
