The University of Memphis formally introduced new head football coach Charles Huff with a press conference Wednesday afternoon at the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex in front of a few hundred fans, players and media.
Huff spoke with energy, including a fascinating analysis of his role with the program.
"A message to the nation: Tigers are apex predators in the world. Apex predators are at the top of the food chain. Their job is to reset and establish order in the ecosystem," Memphis football head coach Charles Huff said. "It's time for the Memphis Tigers to get to the top of the food chain and establish order and consistency in the college football ecosystem, and that's what I'm here to do."
When the University of Memphis announced the hiring of Charles Huff as the next head football coach, Athletic Director Ed Scott knew he had gotten a guy who understood Memphis and had passion. But not even Scott was prepared for that level of passion.
"He's embracing already the fact that he is going to be expected to win championships," Scott said. "Not everyone we spoke to was willing to embrace that challenge with the same approach and ferocity. I didn't know he was going to talk about apex predators. That was pretty darn cool."
When Silverfield's absence created a head coaching vacancy, fans argued over the type of coach they should hire. Should it be a proven head coach? What about an up-and-coming assistant?
For Scott, that answer was clear.
"I had a chance to talk to Nick Saban. I had a chance to talk to James Franklin," Scott said. "And what they told me about coach Huff was this: he has proven success as a head coach. He is 39-25 in five seasons at Marshall and Southern Miss."
Ed Scott felt the pressure.
It's a critical time for the Memphis athletic department, and this hire could define his tenure — athletic directors don't often get second chances.
"He's the right choice at this time for Memphis and what we are trying to do," Scott said.
But what is Memphis trying to do? The Memphis football program had a strong culture under Silverfield, whose signature phrase "all in" is still plastered on the walls of the practice facility. Still, Huff has his own approach to culture building and team identity.
"In our program, culture stands for how we act, interact, and react. It's that simple," Huff said. "It's not a sign on the wall. It's not a logo on a shirt."
One thing that coach Huff exuded in his press conference was confidence. And why not? He's won championships. He's coached with Nick Saban and James Franklin. He's worked with NFL players like Saquon Barkley and Najae Harris.
With five new hires in the American Conference, including four at some of the league's marquee jobs, and two Group of Five teams in the College Football Playoffs, Huff will have the opportunity to make a lot of noise in year one.
"I think it's (the American) wide open, and, no disrespect to the schools that changed (coaches), I think we picked the best head coach," Huff said. "I'm not knocking anyone ... Coach Cignetti said it best, 'Google Me.'"
For as rocky as his final season felt, Ryan Silverfield won a lot of football games for Memphis. He won bowl games and beat power-conference competition. He, however, did not win the American.
"Ryan won a lot of big games. That Arkansas game was a big game. My concern is about meaningful games, and there's a difference," Scott said. "UAB was meaningful, right? Because if you win at UAB, what does that do for you?"
Coach Huff has won championships, and he'll be the first to say that. His competitive fire stole the show in his introductory press conference.
"If I can outwork you, I have a chance to beat you. That's going to be a motto in our program," Huff said. "I don't know who they schedule. I really don't care. Spot the ball, and we'll play you, but we have to outwork you."
Want further proof of his competitive nature? Here's his take on basketball great Michael Jordan.
"I tell people all the time — Michael Jordan doesn't have a gambling problem. He has a competition problem, and he can't turn it off," Huff said.
So, buckle up, Memphis. Only time will tell how this hire will be remembered, something both Huff and Scott are very aware of, but head coach Charles Huff has a goal and a plan to achieve that goal.
"I'm here to close the gap. That's the mission: to close the gap," Huff said. "We've been good. We've won a lot of games. It's time to win a championship."
I'm a senior journalism major with a sports media concentration. I have been at the Daily Helmsman for three years now, including two years as the sports editor.
