ECU Coaching Search 2024: Potential Candidates, Hot Board, Names to Watch Recommended by Pirates Experts..
The top options to take over for Mike Houston at East Carolina were recently disclosed by the 247Sports team.
Since joining the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2014, East Carolina has only participated in two bowl games. The Pirates participated in the Birmingham Bowl in their inaugural season post departure from Conference USA, however, their sole bowl game after that was the Birmingham Bowl in 2022 with head coach Mike Houston. If they manage to reach a bowl game this year, it will be under the leadership of a new head coach. Houston was let go in his sixth season after a 45-28 defeat to Army on October 13.
The back-to-back conference losses resulted in a total 38-point deficit, making it their most disappointing performance in conference games since 2022. East Carolina bounced back last week with a 56-34 win against Temple led by defensive coordinator/interim head coach Blake Harrell to reach a 4-4 record this season, keeping their chances alive for a bowl game appearance. Nevertheless, the upcoming break will raise inquiries regarding the next head of the East Carolina football team. If you have a passion for the Pirates or are curious about the future leadership of ECU football, make sure to check out the insights from the experienced insiders at HoistTheColours, the 247Sports partner dedicated to covering East Carolina.
HoistTheColours’ ECU insiders are giving real-time updates on all aspects of Houston’s dismissal and the upcoming changes in the ECU football program, with input from Stephen Igoe, who has strong connections in the ECU community, and input from national analysts like Brad Crawford. Receive exclusive information on the football program and ECU sports, including recruiting, by accessing the Crow’s Nest VIP forum to connect with fellow fans and insiders.
Currently, HoistTheColours is giving a 50% discount on yearly subscriptions, so it’s a great moment to register. HoistTheColours’ team has already compiled a list of numerous possible candidates, with unexpected names included. Visit HoistTheColours now to view all of them.
Candidates for the top coaching position in East Carolina football
A possible target identified by the staff is LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. Having the opportunity to bring on a former player can be appealing to a school, as there is no one better than a person who has experienced playing there and can explain why they chose the school in the past. Sloan managed to join the team as a walk-on player and served as a backup during his time at ECU. Despite this, he remained committed to the program for all four years, demonstrating loyalty that he hopes to pass on to the players he mentors.
After departing from Notre Dame to lead LSU, Brian Kelly promptly brought Sloan on board as his quarterback coach from Louisiana Tech. While Kelly has a defensive background, he has been exposed to high-performing offenses at various schools, allowing Sloan to learn from him how to lead a program. The 37-year-old Sloan would bring a sense of youthful vigor to the team as a relatively young head coach in the world of college football, which could provide the much-needed lift for ECU following their 2-10 record in 2023. Check out additional candidates on HoistTheColours.