MEMPHIS — Memphis football coach Tommy West underwent triple bypass heart surgery Friday at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, several weeks after tests revealed blockage.

West, 51, was resting comfortably in the intensive care unit late Friday and could be released from the hospital early next week to begin rehabilitation.

''He is out of surgery and in recovery, and everything went well,'' said John Flowers, director of football operations for Memphis. ''We are just thankful there was no muscle damage.''

Flowers said West recently had some heart tests run, and the results indicated a need for further evaluation. West waited until the football recruiting period ended Wednesday to return for Friday's tests and subsequent surgery.

''Tommy called to tell me he would be undergoing further testing,'' said Tiger athletic director R.C. Johnson. ''He had known for some time he'd be needing to go back (for testing) and said he wanted to get through recruiting. It looks like everything went well.''

Flowers said West had complained recently of getting tired quicker than normal.

After the busy recruiting period — which included intense travel meeting high school prospects throughout mostly the Southeast — West's priority will be preparing for spring practice, which begins in mid-March.

''If there ever is a downtime for a college football coach, this is it,'' Johnson said. ''I told (West) to take as much time as he needs.''

The West family has requested all cards and get-well wishes be sent to the Memphis football office and for Tiger fans to respect the coach's privacy during his recovery period.