The dismissal of West, who has coached the team since 1991, followed a 56-28 weekend loss to Tennessee, dropping the Tigers to 2-7.
Johnson praised West, calling him a man of "class, dignity and style," and said he has asked him to coach the final three games.
The Tigers are home against UAB Saturday and play at Houston Nov. 21 and Tulsa Nov. 27.
"The search will start immediately for a new head coach and I will assure you that I have not hired a coach nor do I have one in my back pocket that I will bring in tomorrow," Johnson said. "I would like to move as fast as possible for the sake of recruiting, but will not be able to address media questions on a regular basis until the search has been completed."
Memphis played in five bowl games under West.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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