Memphis Football Team Aims for Strong Finish as Coach Silverfield’s Bonuses Hang in the Balance

Memphis Football Team Eyes Finish Line with Coach Silverfield’s Bonuses on the Line

Hello, football fans! It’s been an exciting and, at times, rollercoaster season for the University of Memphis football team. Currently sitting with a record of 7-2, and 3-2 in the American Athletic Conference, the Tigers are looking to finish strong and capitalize on several potential incentives for their head coach, Ryan Silverfield.

Huge Victory Sparks Bonuses

Memphis fans will surely remember that thrilling game against Florida State University on September 14 when the Tigers clinched a 20-12 victory. That win was not just a highlight of the season; it also earned Coach Silverfield a nice little bonus—thanks to a contract extension he signed earlier in April. Silverfield, in his fifth season at the helm, is currently earning $2.2 million this year as part of a five-year deal worth $12.25 million through the 2028 season. That’s quite a chunk of change for a coach with a steady record of 38 wins and 21 losses.

Chasing More Wins

While the Tigers have had a successful season so far, the road ahead might not be as smooth. The team was once considered a favorite to clinch the conference title but faced setbacks against Navy and the University of Texas-San Antonio. This means that Memphis’s dreams of making their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance will have to wait at least another year.

Upcoming Challenges

Now, as we look ahead, the Tigers are gearing up for three regular season games that will be pivotal not just for playoff hopes but for Silverfield’s financial incentives as well. The team will play:

• Rice University at home on November 8
• University of Alabama-Birmingham at home on November 16
• Tulane University on the road for the finale on November 28

Certainly, a nine-win season could mean a salary increase of $100,000 for Silverfield, along with an automatic two-year extension on his contract. If the Tigers pull off a few victories and finish with ten wins, that bump could swell to $125,000, and even $250,000 if they reach the AAC Championship game!

Bowl Game and Final Rankings

As it stands, the Tigers are already bowl eligible for the 11th year in a row, which is a fantastic achievement in itself! How exciting is that? And it doesn’t stop there—once they know which bowl game they’ll be heading to, Silverfield can pocket another $25,000. Plus, if they manage to secure a win in their bowl game, that’s an additional $50,000 incentive! Fingers crossed for a happy ending!

Now, it’s also worth noting that if Memphis finishes in the final Top 25 ranking, Silverfield will receive another $25,000 bonus. Currently, the Tigers are unranked in the national polls but have been recognized on two occasions this season in the US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25. However, they’ve yet to see their name pop up in the Associated Press Top 25 or the initial College Football Playoff rankings released on November 5.

Conclusion

So as Memphis fans gear up for the remaining games, it’s clear that not only the team’s pride is on the line but also some serious cash for Coach Silverfield. Will the Tigers rise to the occasion in their quest for nine or even ten wins? We can’t wait to find out!

Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling season and how our beloved Memphis Tigers finish their run!