Congressman Cohen Congratulates Tubby Smith on Being Named New University of Memphis Men’s Head Basketball Coach

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today released the following statement on the hiring of new University of Memphis men’s head basketball coach Orlando “Tubby” Smith.

“I would like to congratulate Coach Smith on being named the new University of Memphis basketball coach and welcome him to the Ninth District and Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. “This is a significant and important position within the city, and I would like to thank University of Memphis President Dr. David Rudd, Athletic Director Tom Bowen and the University’s search committee for making a ‘wow’ hire. Coach Smith has many fine attributes that will be important for the Tigers as well as the entire Memphis community. He is experienced, well liked, mature, has been successful in all of his previous coaching jobs, has been honored numerous times for his accomplishments, is in his mid-60s, graying and thinning a bit on the top. Sounds perfect to me!

Coach Smith was the recipient of the 2016 John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award, he won a NCAA National Championship at the University of Kentucky, he’s been to 9 Sweet 16s and 4 Elite Eights, he won 9 Conference Championships and he’s guided a record 5 different school’s teams to the NCAA Tournament. There is no substitute for experience and a proven record. I look forward to many successful seasons under Coach Smith. Go Tigers!”