gomemphistigers1

exactly...Norvell will handle most of the play calling.

Just to explain a little further, Memphis wants to become a 'cradle of coaches'...Fuente was 35 with no experience as HC, Norvell was 34 with no experience as HC, when Norvell leaves I bet we hire Chip Long (our former co-OC who is now OC at Notre Dame) as HC, and he's only 33. When you're dealing with first time head coaches, it's nice to have a top level asst who's spent 9 years as a head coach, taken his team to bowl games, and been named conference coach of the year. That sort of experience makes for a valuable asset to young first time head coaches.

you have to assume he learned something from his time at UNT, though...then he spent several years learning prolific offenses under Fuente and Norvell. that said, his Memphis squad as 'interim HC' got their butts handed to them in Birmingham.

being at Memphis has worked out for coach Dickey as well. Under Fuente, Dickey made 250,000 a year...last season as Assoc/co-OC he made 275,000...and he is set to make 325,000 now as Assoc HC/OC plus, his wife is from Memphis (he was an asst at Memphis in 86 and 87 I believe), so he may be here for awhile (and that's fine by me)

Exactly. Coach Dickey went from being Assoc Head Coach/Co-Offensive Coordinator to Assoc Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator. Dickey has been with Memphis through 3 bowls and 2 Head Coaches now, so he's earned this position...and the players love the guy! His experience at UNT made him essential to Mike Norvell's success at Memphis. Norvell was a 34 year old with no experience as HC. Keeping Dickey as Assoc HC gave Norvell a seasoned wealth of knowledge that took UNT to 4 straight bowl games, and was named Sun Belt Coach of the Year 4 years in a row. I don't know if I would want him as Memphis' Head Coach...but he makes a great Assoc HC/OC

I hear that it also helped us that his wife is a Memphis grad (when it was Memphis State), and they seem to have put down roots here...moreover, the Graham/Norvell combo has been very successful throwing the ball at Tulsa, Pitt, and Ariz State. This is actually Dickey's second stint at Memphis, he was an assistant coach at "Memphis State" from 1986-1989 everything I read about Littrell says he's a solid pick for UNT...and I really like that new stadium. doesn't Dickey have a practice facility named after him there?

I think that's why the players love him...He's a really nice guy who's always willing to mentor his players, he's also good at recruiting, but I just wouldn't want him as Head Coach...I think he'll be a fantastic OC/Assoc HC for Norvell, though. I also think UNT made a smart coaching hire...good luck!

over the last 4 years coach Dickey has held the titles: Interim HC/Assoc. HC/co-OC/Running Backs Coach...his experience taking UNT to 4 straight bowls will serve Memphis well in both the Birmingham Bowl against Auburn from the SEC, and coach Norvell as a first year HC. I'm thrilled we were able to keep him, and it also represents continuity for our players.

if you guys want a check for 70,000 bucks, just give John a call...UNT would be a fun game. Go Tigers!!! Drew

LOL, i bet... we found out today that Holy Cross has backed out of our schedule for next year...so we need a "buy" home game...we were going to pay Holy Cross 70,000 to come to FedExForum to play next year...you think JJ/Tic would be interested in a little re-match? just something to think about. Go Tigers!!! Drew

man, Tic Price...there's a name most Memphis fans try and forget...while he's a decent coach, i would keep the girls dorm on lock-down during the baskeball season...maybe Johnny Jones can keep him in check. you guys seem to be pullin' in all the old Memphis coaches... Johnny Jones...Memphis Interim Head Coach. Tic Price...Memphis Head Coach from 97-99. i hear Dana Kirk needs a job! Go Tigers!!! Drew