East Carolina University has announced the dismissal of head football coach Mike Houston following five seasons with the team. The decision was made by Athletic Director Jon Gilbert in the wake of the Pirates' recent 45-28 loss to No. 23 Army, bringing their season record to 3-4.
Defensive coordinator Blake Harrell has been appointed as the interim coach for the remainder of the season as the program seeks to regroup and finish the season on a positive note.
Gilbert expressed disappointment in the team's performance, noting that despite back-to-back bowl appearances in 2021 and 2022, the anticipated success did not materialize. The decision to part ways with Houston was seen as necessary to propel the program forward and achieve the desired results.
During Houston's tenure, East Carolina accumulated a record of 27-38 since he assumed the head coaching position in 2019. The team's struggles were particularly evident in the previous season, where they finished with a 2-10 record.
Prior to his time at East Carolina, Houston achieved notable success at James Madison University, where he led the team to an FCS national championship in 2016.
As the Pirates navigate this coaching transition, fans and stakeholders will be closely watching to see how the team responds under the leadership of interim coach Harrell. The search for a permanent head coach will likely be a focal point in the coming months as East Carolina looks to chart a new course for its football program.
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