The Memphis Tigers have named offensive line coach Ryan Silverfield as their permanent head coach, the school announced Friday.
Silverfield has been serving as the Tigers' interim head coach following Mike Norvell's departure to Florida State.
"I was loyal to this program and this city and it worked out in my favor," Silverfield said during Friday's news conference. "It's a message to people who are loyal and have a dream. ...
"This was the one [job] that I always wanted. If you love Memphis, it loves you back. The support in this city is second-to-none."
Ryan Silverfield is your new head football coach! Excited to see that interim tag off your title. #StripeUp #GoTigersGo #AACChamps #GoodyearCottonBowl @RSilverfield pic.twitter.com/UQzOaYHkBa
— Memphis Football (@MemphisFB) December 13, 2019
Silverfield served as Memphis' deputy head coach this season under Norvell, as the Tigers went 12-1 and won an American Athletic Conference championship. He has been on the Memphis staff for the past four seasons. Silverfield also has coached with Toledo and the NFL's Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
"Mike Norvell gave me this opportunity to come with him [to Memphis]," Silverfield said. "Let it be known that I am so thankful for Mike Norvell. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here. His friendship, his trust. I will value him until the day I die."
Memphis next plays in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic against Penn State on Dec. 28 in Arlington, Texas.