University of Memphis Athletics
Fuente Named TSWA Coach of the Year
Feb 01, 2015 | Football
University of Memphis football coach Justin Fuente, who led the Tigers to the program's first conference championship in more than 40 years, a record 10 wins and a Miami Beach Bowl title, has been named the Tennessee Sports Writers Association's college football Coach of the Year.
The TSWA made the announcement on Sunday. The Association also announced Chattanooga quarterback Jacob Huesman has been named its college football Player of the Year.
In a vote of TSWA members, Fuente received all but two votes with Chattanooga coach Russ Huesman, an assistant at Memphis from 1998-03, also receiving votes. The voting for Player of the Year was divided among 10 players.
In his third year as the Tigers' head coach, Fuente directed Memphis to a 10-3 finish, capped by a 55-48 double-overtime win over BYU in the inaugural Miami Beach Bowl. The Tigers' 10 wins equaled the school record for victories set in 1938.
Memphis' seven-win improvement from 2013 was the third-best improvement for FBS football teams. The Tigers were 3-9 in 2013. The seven-win improvement ties for the ninth-best improvement ever by an FBS program.
Memphis finished the year ranked No. 25 in the final Associated Press and USA Today/Amway Coaches polls. It was the first time Memphis finished a season ranked in both polls.
Fuente was named the American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year after leading the Tigers to a share of the American's conference title. It was Memphis first conference championship since 1971. Fuente was also a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award.
Huesman was a two-time SoCon Offensive Player of the Year. The Mocs quarterback threw for 2,741 yards and 23 touchdowns on 226 of 330 passing. He also ran for 1,009 yards and 14 scores. Chattanooga won the SoCon title with a 7-0 conference record and finished year year 10-4, earning its first appearance in the FCS playoffs since 1984.
Fuente and Huesman will be honored during a luncheon at the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) headquarters in Nashville on July 0 as part of TSWA's annual conference.
