Porter fired, Johnson to resign

By Adam Douglas

 

Sports Editor

 

Aaron Turner

University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson announces his retirement, effective at the end of June 2012, in a press conference on Monday.

 

One day after relieving head coach Larry Porter of his duties as head football coach, University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson announced his retirement at a press conference Monday in front of friends, fans, administration and supporters. His retirement not immediate, the 70-year-old Johnson will stay at The U of M until the end of the fiscal year, which is June 30, 2012.

"It's been a great ride, but it was just time," Johnson said. "I've been the athletic director here for 16 years. I've run out of ties, and I have no hairpieces left – it's time to move on."

University of Memphis president Shirley Raines, who was also in attendance, said that efforts find a new athletic director and head football coach will be swift and aided by resources outside The University.

"I have decided to use a search firm that specializes in athletics in hiring the next head coach," she said. "The timeline – which I know you all are interested in – is completing the search as soon as possible, but with time for the search firm to vet the candidates."

Johnson will have no input in the hiring of the next head coach.

"I don't want my future to take away from anything we're trying to accomplish," he said. "We've got a lot of things going on and I don't want any distractions."

The Tigers football team posted a 3-21 record in Porter's two years as head coach. The team won just one Conference USA game.

Hiring a new coach is the first step in reversing the Tigers' losing ways and regaining the support of fans and students, Raines said.

 "Obviously we want to win. That will help," she said. "Having a head coach who will be interactive with the students, alumni and fans will be very important to us."

Porter discussed his firing at a press conference held after Raines' and Johnson's remarks on Monday.

"Although I'm very disappointed in the decision of my firing, I understand it and respect it," he said. "I am thankful for the opportunity that R.C. (Johnson) and Dr. Raines gave me. I wish I could have taken this program to a higher level."

Throughout the press conference, Porter referred to the football program as "we," and didn't hesitate when doing so.

He said that he'll remain a supporter and fan of Tiger football.

"I say ‘we' because I will forever be a Tiger and forever want to see this program succeed."