Memphis Secures Future with Silverfield’s New Five-Year Deal Through 2028
The University of Memphis has shown a strong commitment to stability and success in its football program by extending Head Coach Ryan Silverfield‘s contract for another five years, ensuring his leadership through the 2028 season. The new agreement comes off the back of a remarkable 10-3 season that saw the Tigers claim victory in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and notches one of the best seasons in the program’s storied history.
Entering his ninth season with the Tigers and fifth as head coach in 2024, Silverfield’s impact on the team has been undeniable. Under his tutelage, Memphis has achieved a level of consistency and excellence that has firmly established the program as a force in college football. The new contract is a testament to the faith the university has in Silverfield’s vision for the Tigers’ future, especially as the College Football Playoff era expands, offering new opportunities and challenges.
Laird Veatch, the University of Memphis Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics expressed enthusiasm about the extension, highlighting Silverfield’s role in the team’s recent accomplishments. “Coach Silverfield has been integral to our recent successes, and we are thrilled to have him at the helm as we strive to reach new heights,” Veatch said.
Silverfield’s record speaks for itself; he is the only head coach in Memphis history to secure four bowl titles in his first four seasons. Additionally, his 31 wins rank him second in program history for a head coach in his first four seasons and tie him for fourth nationally among head coaches hired in 2020.
The recognition of Silverfield’s efforts extends beyond the university. In 2023, he was named the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Coach of the Year for the second time—a feat no other Memphis head coach has accomplished.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be the head football coach at the University of Memphis,” Silverfield said, expressing his gratitude and excitement for the continued opportunity to lead the team. “I am eager to build upon our success and take Memphis football to even greater heights.”
The financial details of the contract underscore the university’s investment in Silverfield, with an annualized total compensation that increases each season, starting at $2.2 million in 2024 and culminating at $2.7 million in 2028. The structure of the compensation, which includes a base salary and a significant portion for media and public relations duties, along with performance-based incentives and bonuses, aligns with the goals of the program and incentivizes continued excellence on and off the field.
As Memphis looks to the future, the commitment to Coach Silverfield is a clear signal of their dedication to building a premier football program. With Silverfield at the helm, the Tigers are poised to continue their ascent and make their mark in an exciting new era of college football.
