Top > Sport > 2006 > April > 2006-04-13

Tommy West Signs for an Extra Year in Memphis

Tommy West, Memphis` football coach, secured a contract that runs up to 2010, and features a raise in salary. The new contract adds a year to the currently signed agreement between West and Memphis. The Financial terms were not disclosed, but it has been said that the 51-year-old coach will also receive more money to pay his coaching staff.

"Our football program has gained national media attention over the past three seasons due to his successes in bowl games and the national attention received by individual players," athletic director R.C. Johnson said in the release. West`s Tigers have made three consecutive bowl appearances, a first for the school. Last season they went 7-5 and beat Akron in the Motor City Bowl.

"Over the past two months I have had time to sit and reflect on where I am and what I am doing," said West, who has been recovering from triple bypass heart surgery performed on Feb. 3. "I can honestly tell you that I feel very fortunate to be doing what I am doing, and even more fortunate to be coaching at the University of Memphis."