How Ryan Silverfield, American commissioner reacted to Memphis attempt to join Big 12

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Everyone around the American Conference knows Memphis wants out, but commissioner Tim Pernetti said at conference media days he's understanding of what the school is trying to do.

"I understand Memphis' ambition," Pernetti said July 25. "I think other schools have that ambition. I admire their ambition. I was an athletic director years ago when I took Rutgers into the Big Ten. Your job is to do what you think is best for your school. And I also give them credit for having the guts to go after it."

Earlier this week, the Big 12 rejected a reported $200 million offer from Memphis to join the conference. It was the latest attempt by the Tigers' athletic department to leave the American for a power conference, something Memphis athletic director Ed Scott has said is his top goal for the past year.

Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said he respected the American and considers it the top Group of Five conference, but said he was proud of the effort the athletic department made to join the Big 12.

"I give them a lot of credit," Silverfield said. "I'm appreciative and proud of the fact that they were willing to swing and swing big. That shows what we're all about. That's what Memphis is all about. The willingness to take chances and better themselves. And I think I speak for the entire city, that's what we're all about. And our athletic department is now different. Our university is no different."

Since taking over as Memphis AD in the summer of 2024, Scott has made it clear that he's focused on getting Memphis into a power conference. The Tigers could try to take their offer to the ACC, but there's no guarantee that the conference would be interested in expanding or adding Memphis in the immediate future.

That means a continued relationship with the American. Pernetti said he was "very aware" of the conversations Memphis was having with the Big 12.

"The important thing to remember is this: We're not surprised by it, and we're building strong, resilient programs in the conference," Pernetti said. "So when these things happen, they're not a surprise. I'm very encouraged that our membership continues to operate in a transparent manner, as these things come around."

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