West was informed of the decision by athletic director R.C. Johnson, the Memphis Commercial Appeal is reporting.
A press conference is scheduled for any minute now to publicly announce the firing.
West is in his ninth season with the Tigers, and, at 2--7, is on his way to his worst season at Memphis since 2006's 2-10 record. All told, West's record at the school stands at 47-51.
The 55-year-old coach had led Memphis to bowl games in five of the last six years. Before West's arrival, the Tigers had played in two bowl games in the school's history.
Maybe they can Hire Rich Rod when he gets fired at Michigan. After Calipari's basketball cheating mess, their football program can use one also.