Ryan Silverfield’s journey to becoming the head football coach at the University of Memphis is a testament to dedication, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the game. Unlike many of his peers, Silverfield’s path was unconventional; he transitioned from a high school assistant coach to leading a prominent college football program without ever playing a down of college football himself.
Early Life and Introduction to Coaching
Born on August 4, 1980, in Jacksonville, Florida, Silverfield’s affinity for football was evident from a young age. He played for The Bolles School, a powerhouse in high school football, where he contributed to state championships in 1995 and 1998. However, a neck injury during his senior year abruptly ended his playing career. Undeterred, Silverfield’s passion for the sport led him to seek opportunities off the field.
In 1999, while still a senior at Bolles, he approached the school’s coaching staff, eager to contribute in any capacity. His persistence paid off, and he was offered a position as an assistant coach. This early start set the foundation for a coaching career that would span over two decades.
Collegiate Coaching Beginnings
Silverfield’s commitment to coaching intensified during his time at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. Opting to forgo playing, he immersed himself in coaching roles throughout his college years. Starting as an offensive assistant in 2000, he quickly advanced to defensive line coach by his sophomore year, making him one of the youngest position coaches in college football at the time. By his senior year, he was coaching tight ends and H-backs, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of the game.
Transition to Professional Coaching
After a brief stint as the head coach at Memorial Day High School in Savannah, Georgia, in 2004, Silverfield sought to broaden his horizons. He served as the quarterbacks coach at Jacksonville University in 2005 before joining the University of Central Florida (UCF) as a graduate assistant from 2006 to 2007. His tenure at UCF provided him with invaluable experience, working on both offensive and defensive facets of the game.
Silverfield’s dedication and growing reputation opened doors to the National Football League (NFL). In 2008, he joined the Minnesota Vikings as an offensive quality control coach and defensive line assistant. Over six seasons with the Vikings, he honed his skills under various roles, including assistant offensive line coach. His NFL journey continued with the Detroit Lions in 2015, where he served as the assistant offensive line coach.
Return to College Football and Rise at Memphis
Yearning for a return to the collegiate atmosphere, Silverfield took on roles at Toledo as an offensive consultant in 2014 and later at Arizona State as a senior offensive analyst in 2015. His vast experience and proven track record caught the attention of the University of Memphis, leading to his appointment as the offensive line coach in 2016.
At Memphis, Silverfield’s impact was immediate. He played a pivotal role in the Tigers securing three consecutive American Athletic Conference (AAC) West Division titles from 2017 to 2019. Recognizing his contributions, he was promoted to deputy head coach in 2019. That same year, Memphis clinched its first outright conference championship in five decades, a testament to the cohesive coaching unit and talented roster.
Ascending to Head Coach
The departure of then-head coach Mike Norvell to Florida State in December 2019 left a void that needed to be filled with someone who understood the team’s dynamics and culture. Silverfield, with his intimate knowledge of the program and rapport with the players, was the natural choice. His promotion to head coach was met with enthusiasm from both the team and the broader Memphis community.
In his inaugural season in 2020, Silverfield led the Tigers to an 8-3 record, culminating in a victory at the Montgomery Bowl. This achievement marked the beginning of a series of successful campaigns under his leadership. By 2023, Memphis achieved a remarkable 10-3 season, including a triumph over Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. This 10-win season was only the fifth in the program’s history, underscoring Silverfield’s effective leadership.
Contract Extension and Continued Success
Recognizing the upward trajectory of the football program under Silverfield’s guidance, the University of Memphis secured his commitment with a new five-year contract in April 2024, extending through the 2028 season. The agreement not only reflected the university’s confidence in his vision but also provided stability for the program’s future. The contract outlined a structured compensation plan, starting at $2.2 million for the 2024 season, with incremental increases leading up to $2.7 million in 2028. This investment signified the university’s dedication to maintaining the momentum built over recent years.
Under Silverfield’s tenure, the Tigers have consistently demonstrated resilience and competitiveness. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not only athletic excellence but also academic achievement and personal development. This holistic approach has fostered a team culture rooted in discipline, hard work, and mutual respect.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, expectations are high for the Memphis Tigers. With a solid foundation and a roster of promising talent, the team is poised to build upon its recent successes. Silverfield’s journey—from a high school assistant coach to the helm of a distinguished college football program—serves as an inspiration to many. His story exemplifies how passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to one’s craft can
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