What will ECU look like without Mike Houston?
Mike Houston was fired on Sunday, October 20th, after serving as the Pirates' head coach for nearly six years. His departure comes after a challenging start to the season, with ECU holding a 3-4 record. This follows a disappointing 2-10 season, a stark contrast to Houston’s earlier successes, which included back-to-back bowl bids and a 53-29 victory over Coastal Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl.
Houston finished his tenure with a total record of 27-38. Notably, he went 0-7 in North Carolina FBS matchups, struggling to secure a win against in-state rivals like Charlotte, NC State, and Appalachian State.
Defensive coordinator Blake Harrell, who has been with ECU since 2020, will now step in as Interim Head Coach. This presents a major opportunity for Harrell to prove himself worthy of consideration for the permanent role. His biggest challenge will be keeping the locker room unified and finding a way to turn the season around, with bowl eligibility still within reach if the team can secure three more wins.
The next three games against Temple, Florida Atlantic, and Tulsa are the easiest in ECU’s remaining five-game stretch, making them crucial for the Pirates’ bowl hopes. It will also be a new experience for Harrell, who is used to calling plays from the press box. As the interim head coach, he’ll now be down on the field, leading the team directly. The Pirates' upcoming schedule includes matchups against Temple on October 26, Florida Atlantic on November 7, and Tulsa on November 14. Harrell’s leadership will be crucial as ECU looks to make a final push toward the postseason.
Potential Head Coaches ECU Should Pursue
With Mike Houston’s departure, ECU will also look at external candidates for the head coaching role. Two names that stand out are Joe Sloan, the offensive coordinator at LSU, and Garrett Riley, the offensive coordinator at Clemson.
Joe Sloan
Sloan has strong ties to ECU, having played as a quarterback for the Pirates. Since then, he has built a reputation for developing quarterbacks and leading potent offenses, most recently at LSU. Sloan’s experience at a high-level SEC program and his connection to ECU as an alum could make him a strong candidate to reinvigorate the program and bring a fresh perspective to the team.
Garrett Riley
Garrett Riley, currently Clemson’s offensive coordinator, brings his own level of intrigue. He’s the younger brother of Lincoln Riley, who once served as ECU’s offensive coordinator before becoming one of the top coaches in college football. Garrett has made a name for himself with his success at TCU, helping them reach the national championship in 2023. His offensive prowess and the Riley family connection to ECU could make him an exciting prospect for the Pirates.
Why ECU Should Consider Sloan and Riley
Both Sloan and Riley bring unique strengths. Sloan’s ties to ECU could help reunite the fan base and provide a sense of familiarity, while Riley’s offensive legacy and success could offer the high-powered offense that Pirate fans crave. With the program at a critical turning point, ECU would do well to pursue either of these talented coaches to lead the team into the future.