Various reports in Memphis say he’s a solid front-runner to replace Tommy West, who was told earlier this month this season would be his last. West will coach the Tigers vs. Tulsa on Friday.

Gray said he expected a resolution “by the end of the NFL season.” Because of the need to recruit, one is expected much sooner, possibly this weekend.

Gray first interviewed with Memphis officials on Monday. His Redskins connections served him well in this process. FedEx founder and CEO Fred Smith is a Redskins part owner and influential Memphis booster; his son, a transfer from Miami, is expected to compete at quarterback next season. Also, former Redskins coach Joe Gibbs made a pitch on Gray’s behalf.

“If you get a chance to do that [become a head coach] you want to do that,” Gray said last month. “You want to make sure that you’re not just an assistant all your career, and if it happens it happens.”

His players are sold on Gray.

“He would do a really good job,” corner Carlos Rogers said. “He’s more than just a coach. He’s a great family man, a Christian. He can talk to you about more than football. If he’s gone, I will miss him. A lot feel the same way.”

Gray joined the Redskins in 2006, after serving as Buffalo’s defensive coordinator for five seasons. The Redskins have the NFL’s top-ranked pass defense.

And last month he became the voice of the defense when coordinator Greg Blache decided he no longer wanted to address the media once a week.

He’s not worried about being distracted.

“When there’s a lot more distractions going on, I focus a lot more and hone out everything else,” Gray said.

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