Four areas Memphis football, Ryan Silverfield must address this offseason

After Memphis football won the First Responder Bowl, there was relief. Relief that an up-and-down season ended on a good note with something to build upon for 2023.

But as the offseason begins, so have the changes. Three assistant coaches were let go and three starters entered the transfer portal. More player movement could come between now and Jan. 18 when the portal closes.

It reminds just how critical the next eight months are before the Tigers' season opener on Sept. 2. There will be more questions about coach Ryan Silverfield’s future entering his fourth season with two years left on his contract. Yet he was confident a bowl win was a step towards getting back to the program’s high standards.

“I think they understood how close we are and what we’re capable of and how good we really can be,” Silverfield said of his players. “It’s my job to get us across that finish line to bigger, brighter days and compete for championships because that’s what we expect.”

Spring football starts in March. Here's what the Tigers need to address this offseason.

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Wanted: More playmakers

Memphis’ offense finished in the top 25 nationally in scoring and passing offense with first-year coordinator Tim Cramsey. But the Tigers still lacked a big-time playmaker at receiver to support quarterback Seth Henigan. There are now major holes to fill.

Tight end Caden Prieskorn and receiver Javon Ivory transferred after the bowl game. Nobody reached 85 rushing yards in a game all season. While there were explosive plays, the Tigers were seventh among 11 AAC teams with 66 plays from scrimmage of at least 20 yards.

Memphis doesn’t just need more pass-catchers; it needs more team speed. Will the Tigers find it in the transfer portal? Does it mean more touches for running back Asa Martin as an all-purpose back? Can Roc Taylor and Joseph Scates take leaps forward as receivers?

Staff shakeup

It wasn’t surprising which assistants weren’t coming back. Jim Bridge (offensive line), Charles Bankins (special teams coordinator) and David Glidden (receivers) all oversaw positions that struggled last season, and all three were on contracts that expired this year.

One position was quickly filled with the hiring of former UAB assistant Larry Smith as receivers coach. The other two hires are just as critical; especially offensive line, which needs to be better in both pass protection and run blocking. The next special teams coordinator must replace All-AAC kicker Chris Howard and improve the kick-return defense.

Another thing to watch is will some assistants think twice about coming to Memphis knowing the pressure around Silverfield in a must-win season? How will that affect the type of coaches who interview for the jobs? As Silverfield fills his staff, who he hires is just as important as their performance fixing three key position groups.

Retool run game

Speaking of playmakers, Memphis’ run game needs a jolt. Yes, the offensive line struggled, but the backs haven’t shown the speed compared to the AAC’s best teams.

Leading rushers Jevyon Ducker and Martin return, but where does Brandon Thomas fit after a second consecutive season ended in injury? The Tigers added Old Dominion’s leading rusher Blake Watson, so what does that mean for sophomore An’Darius Coffey and promising freshman Sutton Smith? Could someone end up transferring?

Watson could bring more flash since he averaged 5.79 yards per carry last season and had 10 runs of at least 20 yards, one fewer than the Tigers had as a team. But even with him, the run game must be more productive in 2023, and that takes a collective effort.

Defensive adjustments

Matt Barnes' first year as Tigers defensive coordinator saw Memphis lead the AAC with 22 takeaways. However, Memphis was eighth in the AAC in both third-down defense (41.4%) and sacks per game (1.62), as well as ninth with 22 sacks.

Five of the Tigers’ six worst third-down defensive performances came in losses, and the Tigers also had just seven sacks in their losses. That can’t repeat in 2023, but it’ll be difficult without leaders like safety Quindell Johnson and linebacker Xavier Cullens. Defensive lineman Cam’Ron Jackson also transferred to Florida.

Defensive lineman Jaylon Allen and linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku are likely the next leaders, but Memphis needs more help getting to the quarterback and getting off the field on third down. Thirteen of the Tigers' 22 new signees were on the defensive side, but with nine who'll be freshmen next year, the older newcomers must gel with the returners to make an immediate impact.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How will Memphis football, Ryan Silverfield address Tigers' offseason