Charles Huff’s Weekly Press Conference: Looking Ahead to UT Martin

Standing in front of a room full of reporters on Thursday, Memphis head coach Charles Huff smiled, shuffled his notes, and got straight to the point: the Tigers are feeling good after their recent bounce‑back win, but there’s still work to be done.

“We’ve had a productive week on the practice field,” Huff said, his voice a little hushed as he talked about the drills that occupied the team’s mornings. “The kids are buying into the concepts, especially on the defensive side. We’ve seen improvement in our gap discipline and the ability to stay home on the line.”

He paused, glanced at his assistant coaches, then added, “Offensively, we’re still fine‑tuning the rhythm. The quarterback‑receiver chemistry is getting better, but we need to lock in on third‑down execution.” The coach’s candor felt genuine, a mix of optimism and the sober realism that comes after a 45‑21 victory over an FCS opponent.

When asked about the upcoming open‑date game, Huff shrugged lightly and chuckled, “We’ll see. It’s not a big‑deal if we end up with a bye. Our focus is staying sharp no matter what the schedule looks like.” He emphasized that the Tigers want to avoid complacency, noting that even though the win over UT Martin wasn’t a blowout, the team never felt the pressure of a close contest.

He also highlighted the importance of “clear communication” among the coaching staff and players. “If anyone’s confused about a play or a responsibility, they need to speak up. That’s how we keep improving week after week.” Huff’s comments about accountability resonated with the media, who noted the Tigers’ recent slip‑up against Boise State on the road.

Wrapping up, Huff turned his attention to the broader season outlook. “We’re still early, but we’re building momentum. The goal is to keep that energy going, stay healthy, and keep grinding every single practice,” he concluded, his eyes flickering over the press pool.