By Phil Stukenborg of The Commercial Appeal

Better late, than never?

Although he was hired Dec. 4 to become the University of Memphis head football coach, Mike Norvell didn't have a "fully executed" contract until Thursday, two days before the Tigers played host to Southeast Missouri State.

"The president was out of town, (but) he came back in town and we got it signed Thursday," said U of M deputy athletic director Mark Alnutt.

Said U of M athletic director Tom Bowen: "Everybody's good. (It was signed) before the game ever started."

Alnutt had said last week there were a number of minor issues that delayed the contract's being signed. Norvell's deal calls for $1.8 million in 2016 and $9.54 million over the next four years.

"I am very blessed to have a man like Mike Norvell as my head football coach," Bowen said. "He's a fine human being and a great coach."