MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- After reportedly being courted by the Pac-12, the University of Memphis announced on Monday that it intended to stay in the AAC. The landscape of college athletics has shifted dramatically in the past few years. With that, our focus has remained on ensuring our student-athletes are given the best possible environment to perform their sports and academics at the highest level. After considering other potential options, we have decided our current partnership with the American Athletic Conference is in the best interest of our student-athletes and the future of our University.” The University of Memphis The news comes after rumors circulated that the Pac-12 was interested in bringing both Memphis and Tulane into the conference. Could expansion send Memphis west to a revamped and rebuilt Pac-12? Last off-season, the Pac-12 lost 10 of its 12 teams including powerhouses like Oregon, USC and Utah. To supplement the losses, they recently added Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State from the Mountain West. On September 17, AAC commissioner Tim Pernetti explained the importance of keeping Memphis in the conference. “Seeing how athletics has evolved and the investment that the city and the brands that are behind it and the athletic department has made, is terrific for the conference,” Pernetti said. “We need Memphis to be successful in the American for the American to be successful. So it’s great to see everybody driving in the same direction.” Fellow AAC schools Tulane, USF and UTSA also announced their commitment to the conference.