Mike Sirignano Resigns as ECU’s Strength and Conditioning Coach
Just months after being hired to lead East Carolina’s strength and conditioning program, Mike Sirignano has resigned from his position. First reported by Stephen Igoe of 247Sports, Sirignano’s departure comes as a surprise, as he had been overseeing winter workouts and preparing ECU football for its first full offseason under head coach Blake Harrell.
ECU confirmed that Sirignano is no longer with the program but declined to provide further details. He is expected to pursue opportunities outside of athletics.
A Short-Lived Tenure
Sirignano was hired in December to replace former strength coach John Williams, who had been with the program since 2019 and was let go after Harrell’s promotion to full-time head coach. Sirignano brought extensive experience, having served as the head strength coach at Appalachian State, Louisville, and Georgia State. Most notably, he became the only strength coach in FBS history to be named an interim head coach when Georgia State tapped him for the role in early 2024.
Before arriving in Greenville, Sirignano had spent six months at Rutgers, and his hiring was seen as a step toward bringing a new identity to ECU’s strength and conditioning program. However, his time with the Pirates lasted less than three months, leaving ECU searching for yet another leader in the weight room.
What’s Next for ECU?
In the immediate aftermath of Sirignano’s resignation, ECU’s assistant strength coaches are running the football program’s workouts. Colton Susen, who currently leads the strength and conditioning efforts for ECU men’s basketball, has stepped in as the interim director. The university has already posted the job opening and will begin the hiring process in the coming months.
This sudden change comes at a crucial time for the Pirates. Spring practice is set to begin on March 25, giving the football program just a few weeks to stabilize its strength and conditioning leadership. With Harrell preparing for his first full season as head coach, continuity in player development will be key.
Despite the coaching shake-up, ECU enters 2025 with momentum. The Pirates finished last season 8-5, capping off the year with a 26-21 victory over NC State in the Military Bowl. They’ll open the 2025 season with a rematch against the Wolfpack on Thursday, August 28, in Raleigh.
The Bigger Picture
Sirignano’s exit raises questions about the direction of ECU’s strength and conditioning program. With multiple coaching changes in the last few months—including Harrell’s promotion and new hires across the staff—continuity has been hard to come by in Greenville.
Strength and conditioning play a vital role in a team’s success, and a strong offseason is often the foundation for a successful season. As ECU searches for its next leader in the weight room, the new hire will need to establish a culture of consistency and accountability—something that has been a challenge amid the recent coaching turnover.
ECU fans will now watch closely to see who steps into this critical role. With an important season ahead, the Pirates can’t afford to miss on this hire.
Stay tuned to The Pirate Pulse for more updates on ECU football and the latest coaching developments.