ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Mike Houston of the East Carolina Pirates looks on in the second half while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

East Carolina fires coach Houston after 5 seasons, loss to Army

The Associated Press
2 years ago
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) — East Carolina has fired coach Mike Houston after five seasons.

Athletic director Jon Gilbert made the announcement Sunday, a day after the Pirates (3-4) lost to No. 23 Army 45-28. Defensive coordinator Blake Harrell will be interim coach for the remainder of the season.

“After earning back-to-back bowl invitations, we looked poised for continued success,” said Gilbert of bowl appearances in 2021-22. “Unfortunately, we have not seen the results we all want, and a change is needed to move the program forward.”

Last season, the Pirates finished 2-10. They were 27-38 under Houston since he took the job in 2019.

At James Madison, Houston won an FCS national championship in 2016.

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