MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Memphis football coach Rip Scherer was fired Monday
after failing to produce a winning record in any of his six seasons with the
Tigers.
Memphis closed this season at 4-7 after a 37-14 loss at Tulane on Saturday,
the Tigers' fifth consecutive loss.
Scherer, who came to Memphis from James Madison, had a 22-44 record in his
six seasons.
"I don't agree with it, but I understand it," Scherer said of his
dismissal.
Athletic director R.C. Johnson said at a news conference that Scherer has
run "a first-class operation with no hint of impropriety, but the bottom line
in this business is winning games."
Johnson said donors have pledged the money needed to buy out the three years
left on Scherer's contract, which is worth about $230,000 annually.
"Rip is one of the classiest individuals I have ever had the opportunity to
work with and that made my decision even more difficult," the athletic
director said.
Johnson said he has a list of six to 12 names of potential candidates to
succeed Scherer. He declined to name any of them.
The Tigers, who had a weak offense during Scherer's six years, began well
this season. They were 4-2, prompting talk of a winning season and perhaps even
a bowl bid. Then the Tigers did not win another game.
AP NEWS
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