What Charles Huff learned about Memphis in first months as Tigers football coach

Charles Huff has been in the Bluff City for only a few months, but Memphis football's new coach has already learned plenty about the city. "We represent something bigger than ourselves," Huff said. "We represent something bigger than what we call Shelby County.

This is really a state type of energy. This is not just Shelby County. This is like a state, national type of energy.

Which is good, because we've got some things that we need to do, and we're going to need that energy to do it. " Huff spoke during a news conference on March 23 before the Tigers kicked off spring practice . It's a critical time for him and his staff because the Tigers have nearly an entirely new roster as they prepare for what looks like a wide-open American Conference in 2026.

Huff had made it clear when he was introduced in December 2025 that winning a conference title is his goal, and he'll have a shot to get there right away. He has spent the past few months getting to know the city, the restaurants, the people. "Men's, women's, revenue sports, non-revenue sports, this community loves the Tigers," he said.