TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -

Jim McElwain

accepted an offer Wednesday to become the head coach at Memphis, but changed his mind according to

.

The website reports Memphis called an emergency meeting at 5 p.m., which led to the hiring of TCU co-offensive coordinator

Justin Fuente

. The website reports a press conference will be held Thursday morning.

The Memphis (Tennessee) Commercial Appeal reported Fuentes was chosen over McElwain,

.

Earlier Wednesday, al.com newspapers learned a Memphis search committee was prepared to recommend McElwain as its next head coach.

Reports surfaced Tuesday our of Memphis that McElwain had interviewed for the job, and impressed the committee.

One source said McElwain was angling for a strong commitment from Memphis toward financial backing toward facilities, and a coaching staff.

That source said if McElwain was offered the job, "I believe he'll take it."

Alabama did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

Fuente will replace

Larry Porter

, who was fired after two seasons and a 3-21 record.

McElwain's name also had been mentioned as a possible replacement at Fresno State where he was the offensive coordinator in 2007.

Memphis and Fresno State are using the same search firm, Eastman & Beaudine, which Ole Miss used to help fill its vacancy with

Hugh Freeze

. The firm also is handling the search for a head coach at Arizona State.

*

Izzy Gould covers Alabama football for the Mobile Press-Register, The Birmingham News, The Huntsville Times and al.com.

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