Memphis football adding Reggie Howard, a former Tiger, NFL player, to staff as cornerbacks coach

Memphis football is adding former Tigers player Reggie Howard to its staff, the program announced Thursday.

Howard will serve as cornerbacks coach. Howard has been defensive quality control coach for the NFL's Washington Commanders.

The move completes the Memphis coaching staff for now. Defensive coordinator Matt Barnes left before the Tigers' bowl game, and defensive line coach Kyle Pope left earlier this week.

Coach Ryan Silverfield promoted linebackers coach Jordon Hankins to defensive coordinator after Hankins served as interim DC for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl win over Iowa State. Hankins will continue to serve as linebackers coach as well as assuming defensive coordinator responsibilities, a source said. Silverfield is also adding former Tiger Lou Esposito as defensive line coach.

Howard played cornerback for the Tigers before playing in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins from 2000-06. He was at Memphis for two stints in assistant roles, including as the director of high school relations in 2020.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @thejonahdylan.