Memphis fires coordinator

MEMPHIS, TENN. – Memphis football coach Tommy West fired defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn on Monday.

Dunn had been defensive coordinator since spring 2003, but the Tigers are 1-2 and blew a 13-point lead in a 35-20 loss at East Carolina on Saturday.

West said the decision was based on philosophies and the Tigers’ recent play, and was not a result of the East Carolina loss.

“I didn’t feel that at this time we were moving forward on the defensive side of the ball. When I feel that way and I can’t be positive about what we are doing, then I’ve got to make changes,” West said at his weekly news conference.

“This decision was based on a confidence issue about our system.”