Ryan Silverfield Confronts Fickle Fans Amid Tigers’ Successful Season
As the 2023 college football season draws near its close, Memphis Tigers Head Coach Ryan Silverfield has something to say to his critics. After guiding the Tigers to their ninth win of the season, Silverfield targeted his remarks at the fickle fans who have quickly dismissed his leadership despite the team’s success.
Indeed, the Tigers’ performance this season has been something to cheer about. However, the rumblings of discontent have been growing louder in some corners. Comments such as “If Silverfield is back, I’m not buying season tickets” and “This is boring. We need a new coach” have been circulating in the fan community, threatening to overshadow the season’s achievements.
In response to these criticisms, Silverfield was both reflective and forthright. “The people that are going to be unhappy with a nine-win season are the same people that, when we went 8-3 my first year, beat UCF and won a bowl game, that reached out, ‘Coach, please don’t ever leave Memphis. Please don’t ever leave Memphis,” he said.
Silverfield’s comments highlight the transient and often contradictory nature of fans’ opinions. The same fans who once pleaded for him to stay are now the ones asking him to leave. He drew parallels to those who criticize politics but do not vote and even cheekily suggested that these fans would “probably boo Santa Claus in this place.”
Echoing Alabama’s Nick Saban, Silverfield stated, “You can’t make everybody happy. If you can, you’ve got to sell ice cream.” This is a sobering reminder that criticisms and detractors will always exist, even in the face of success.
However, Silverfield’s focus on the positive aspects of the season was evident. “One of 10 teams in 108 years to get nine wins. All these positive things are just so tremendous,” he said, emphasizing the team’s accomplishments this year. The high graduation rates under his tenure were also a source of pride for Silverfield, who noted that these are the factors that the “tremendous fans” appreciate and support.
He went on to highlight the strong support from loyal fans who have stood by the team in both good times and bad. These fans, Silverfield pointed out, appreciate the team’s achievements and recognize the hard work that has gone into the season.
Looking ahead, Silverfield is optimistic about the team’s momentum and the possibility of securing a tenth win in a bowl game. His comments serve as a timely reminder to fans and critics alike that success in sports is not only about winning but also about resilience, perseverance, and unity.
Silverfield’s words should resonate with every Memphis Tigers fan as the season winds down. Success doesn’t come without its share of challenges, and it takes an unwavering belief in the team and coaching staff to navigate the highs and lows of a sporting season. So, as the Tigers prepare for their next game, one can only hope that Silverfield’s message will echo around the stadium, reminding everyone of the true spirit of sportsmanship.
