West on his way out in Memphis

By Sports Network

The Sports Network

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Memphis football coach Tommy West has been fired.

West was informed of the decision Monday by athletic director R.C. Johnson, who added that the coach will finish the 2009 season.

"Coach West certainly exemplifies, as you have heard me say, the terms class, dignity and style and I want to thank him for everything he has done to elevate the bar by which our football program is measured," said Johnson. "I have asked Coach West to coach our final three games of the season and would ask every Tiger fan to attend Saturday's game against UAB as a tribute to not only Coach West, but our seniors who have meant so much to our program."

West is in his ninth season as the school's head coach after joining the program as defensive coordinator in 2000. The Tigers are just 2-7 this year after earning bowl bids in five of the previous six seasons.

With a record of 49-58, West is the third-winningest coach in Memphis history.

The 55-year-old West also coached at Clemson from 1993-98 and posted a mark of 31-28 with those Tigers.

Posted on Mon, Nov. 09, 2009 11:23 AM

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