Blake Harrell Set to Take Over as ECU’s Head Coach After Electrifying Interim Run
East Carolina football is making waves, and the buzz is all about Blake Harrell. According to sources, ECU is set to promote Harrell, their interim head coach, to the full-time role. The decision comes after Harrell’s impressive 4-0 run since stepping in on October 20. With ECU now sitting at 7-4 on the season, it’s clear that Harrell has injected new life into the program.
But before the ink dries on the contract, there’s one more hurdle to clear. ECU’s board still needs to meet to formally approve the deal, sources told ESPN. That meeting is expected to happen in the coming days, with a final decision likely to be made official this week. If all goes as planned, Harrell will be the man tasked with leading the Pirates into the future.
Why Harrell? Contagious Energy and a Winning Formula
So, what’s behind ECU’s decision to hand the reins to Harrell? For starters, the school’s leadership has been blown away by the “contagious energy” he’s brought to the program. There’s a strong belief within the ECU community that this job should be one of the best in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). With a 50,000-seat stadium and a passionate fan base, the potential is undeniable. Harrell’s ability to maximize that potential has been a key factor in his rise.
Harrell’s hands-on coaching style has been a game-changer. He’s scaled back practices to keep players fresh and focused on creating a positive experience for the team. The results speak for themselves. Under his leadership, ECU has rattled off wins against Temple, Florida Atlantic, Tulsa, and North Texas. The Pirates’ most recent victory was particularly thrilling, as they overcame a 21-0 deficit to defeat North Texas 40-28. That comeback win has only added to the growing support for Harrell.
Players Rally Behind Harrell
It’s not just the fans and administration who are sold on Harrell. The players have been vocal in their support, with many taking to social media to make their feelings known. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Katin Houser, who has thrown 13 touchdown passes in Harrell’s four games as interim coach, posted “#Wewantharrell” on social media. Veteran tailback Rahjai Harris and senior tackle Parker Moorer also voiced their support for Harrell to get the full-time job.
It’s clear that Harrell has won over the locker room, and that kind of player buy-in is invaluable for any coach. The team’s rallying cry to keep Harrell at the helm has only strengthened his case for the job.
Harrell’s Journey to the Top
At 46 years old, Harrell’s coaching journey has been a steady climb. Before being named interim head coach, he served as ECU’s defensive coordinator. A native of the Carolinas, Harrell graduated from Western Carolina and earned an MBA from Lenoir-Rhyne. He began his coaching career in North Carolina high schools before moving on to college jobs at Lenoir-Rhyne and The Citadel.
Harrell also spent time as the defensive coordinator at Kennesaw State in 2019, where he led a top-five FCS defense. His deep ties to the Carolinas and his track record of success have made him a natural fit for the ECU job.
What’s Next for ECU?
Harrell is set to replace Mike Houston, who was fired earlier this season after a 3-4 start. Houston’s tenure at ECU ended with a 27-38 record over six seasons. The Pirates haven’t won a league title since 2009, when Skip Holtz led them to a Conference USA championship. Harrell’s promotion marks the first of six AAC head coaching vacancies to be filled this year. The other open jobs are at Tulsa, FAU, Rice, Charlotte, and Temple.
ECU will close out the regular season on Saturday against Navy. A win would give the Pirates their second eight-win season since 2014, a testament to the turnaround Harrell has orchestrated in just a few short weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Blake Harrell is 4-0 as ECU’s interim head coach.
- ECU’s board is expected to finalize his promotion this week.
- Players and fans have rallied behind Harrell, making him the clear choice for the job.
- ECU faces Navy on Saturday, with a chance to secure an eight-win season.
With Harrell at the helm, the future looks bright for East Carolina football. The Pirates have found their leader, and the excitement in Greenville is palpable. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of what could be a thrilling new era for ECU.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
