Memphis has its next football coach with hiring of Southern Miss’ Charles Huff.The search to replace Ryan Silverfield, who was hired by Arkansas, lasted less than a week. Huff was 7-5 during his lone season with the Golden Eagles.Here’s a look at Huff’s buyout at Southern Miss and the finances involved to bring him to Memphis.What is Charles Huff’s buyout?Huff signed a term sheet with Southern Miss less than a year ago. His buyout drops based on the day it’s triggered.If Huff leaves on or before Dec. 8, his buyout is $1 million. If he leaves after that (and before Dec. 8, 2026), it’s $750,000.The date that the buyout gets triggered will ultimately affect the amount Memphis has to pay.What is Memphis getting from Arkansas for Ryan Silverfield’s buyout?Memphis has money to pay a buyout after Arkansas paid $1.5 million for Silverfield’s buyout. Silverfield’s contract was extended by a year because he won nine or more games in 2024, and that caused the buyout to revert to the first year of his deal.Silverfield’s buyout was set to drop on Dec. 31, but he left for Arkansas on Nov. 30.That won’t be the only money Memphis gets from Arkansas for coaches. Many assistant coaches who have additional years on their contracts have buyouts, too. Memphis offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey, receivers coach Larry Smith, general manager Scott Gasper and more are expected to follow Silverfield to Arkansas. Depending on how many ultimately go, Memphis could get $1 million or more in additional buyout money (Cramsey’s for example, is $625,000).How Charles Huff’s coaching staff will affect buyout moneyLike Silverfield is doing at Arkansas, it’s likely Huff will look to bring some of his Southern Miss staff to Memphis. Some of those coaches will have buyouts as well.If Huff decides not to retain coaches who are currently on Memphis’ staff, the school will have to pay buyouts to terminate those contracts. So that money will all be part of the calculus as hiring decisoins are made.Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What is Charles Huff’s buyout? What Memphis will pay to Southern Miss
