Memphis football has hired Western Michigan defensive coordinator Lou Esposito as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, the program announced Wednesday.

Esposito will replace Kyle Pope, who left after serving as Memphis' defensive line coach since 2020. Football Scoop reported Pope is headed to join the staff at Georgia Tech.

A former offensive lineman for Memphis, Esposito has been Western Michigan's defensive coordinator since 2017. He was the defensive line coach at Western Michigan from 2010-12 before leaving and eventually coming back. He played for the Tigers from 1997-2000 and was a team captain during his final two seasons in Memphis. He then played professionally for the Memphis Xplorers, an arena football team, before beginning his coaching career.

Esposito also has head coaching experience from Division-II Saint Joseph's and Division-II Davenport.

Esposito will join a defensive staff that will be spearheaded by new defensive coordinator Jordon Hankins. Coach Ryan Silverfield promoted Hankins to defensive coordinator after he served in the role in an interim capacity for Memphis' win over Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Hankins, who had been the linebackers coach, will also continue to serve in that role, a source told the Commercial Appeal. Memphis is expected to make one more hire on the defensive staff.

The Tigers went 10-3 in 2023, including the bowl win over the Cyclones.

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

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football hires Lou Esposito as co-defensive coordinator