Norvell addresses coaching rumors for first time this season

Memphis football coach Mike Norvell spoke for the first time this season Thursday about rumors regarding about his potential candidacy for other head coaching jobs.

During an appearance on Grind City Media’s “The Chris Vernon Show,” Norvell was emphatic about his happiness at Memphis.

The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman has reported that Norvell is gaining traction as a candidate for the Florida State job, but

Norvell was not specifically asked about that opening.

“There have been phone calls from other places that would seek interest and I don’t have any interest in even accepting the phone call because of what I know is here,” Norvell said. “People are like, ‘You want a Power Five job, you want this,’ what does that mean? I get one opportunity to live this life.

“I guarantee you, I want to be somewhere that it matters, that we can make an impact, that we can sit there and I enjoy to live. The grass is not always greener. You see coaches all the time that they jump to this or they jump to that and it’s not what they thought.”

Norvell has the highest winning percentage in Memphis history (.694). At 34-15 in four seasons, he’s won two consecutive AAC West championships and has Memphis (8-1) ranked No. 19 in the Amway Coaches Poll.

His success has made him a constant name on national media coaching lists. Feldman’s report also linked him as a possible candidate if the Arkansas job opens.

The past two seasons, Norvell was reportedly a serious candidate at Arkansas and Kansas State, among others.

In February, he signed an extension through 2023. The terms of his buyout remain at $500,000, which is not considered an obstacle for a Power-five school.

On Vernon’s show, Norvell repeated what he said nearly a year ago: He has one of the best jobs in the country, loves the city of Memphis and has done his part to sell others on why they should love it as well.

“‘I’ve got an incredible situation and I think it’s continuing to get better,” Norvell said.

You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_b ) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com

JOE RONDONE/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Memphis Tigers center James Wiseman waits to be introduced before they take on the UIC Flames at the Fedexforum on Friday. Earlier in this week, Wiseman was declared ineligible by the NCAA according to his attorney.

LARRY MCCORMACK/THE TENNESSEAN Kennedy Chandler hangs on the rim after dunking against Ensworth in the Division II-AA semifinals on Feb. 28 in Nashville.