News Summary
East Carolina University’s football coach Blake Harrell has announced the hiring of six new staff members as he gears up for his first full season as head coach in 2025. This recruitment follows a successful interim season where Harrell led the team to a bowl victory and a strong finish. His new four-year contract reflects his ambition to enhance the team’s competitive edge in college football. With fresh staff appointments and a renewed direction, Harrell aims to build on last season’s momentum for ECU football.
GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – East Carolina University (ECU) football coach Blake Harrell has announced the hiring of six new staff members as he prepares for his inaugural full season as head coach in 2025. This recruitment is part of Harrell’s efforts to strengthen the coaching staff following his successful interim leadership during the latter part of the 2024 season.
Blake Harrell, who transitioned from being ECU’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach to interim head coach last season after Mike Houston was dismissed, has a fresh outlook and strategies for the team. Under Harrell’s direction, ECU notably turned its season around, finishing with four consecutive wins, including a victory in the Go Bowling Military Bowl against NC State. Harrell’s brief but potent tenure as head coach boasts a record of 5-1 in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and a perfect 1-0 in bowl game coaching.
His transition from interim to full-time head coach comes with a new four-year contract valued at roughly $1.3 million annually, featuring performance-based incentives aimed at fostering ambitious program goals. In contrast, the previous head coach, Mike Houston, reportedly earned $2.5 million in 2024.
Details of Coaching Staff Additions
Harrell’s six new staff appointments were unveiled earlier this week, setting the stage for a revamp aimed at enhancing the team’s competitive edge. While details on the specific positions filled have yet to be disclosed, the new staff is anticipated to inject fresh ideas and energy into the program. Harrell’s commitment to assembling a robust coaching team reflects his awareness of the evolving landscape in college football and his determination to position ECU for success in upcoming seasons.
Harrell’s Coaching Background
Blake Harrell, 45 years old, brings extensive experience to his leadership role at ECU. Before becoming interim head coach, he had served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at ECU since 2020. His previous coaching stints include a successful year at Kennesaw State where he led the team to an 11-3 record and a run in the FCS Playoffs in 2019. Additionally, his five-year tenure at The Citadel was marked by significant contributions to the team’s defense, particularly in the Southern Conference (SoCon).
His foundational years included roles as defensive run game coordinator, special teams coordinator, linebackers coach, and recruiting coordinator at Lenoir-Rhyne University from 2007 to 2013, where he helped the team reach the Division II national championship in his final season. Harrell initiated his coaching career as a student assistant at Western Carolina, displaying a gradual ascent through the ranks of high school and collegiate football coaching.
Looking Forward
With key staff appointments and a renewed sense of direction, Blake Harrell is looking to build upon the momentum gained from last season. His newfound leadership comes at a crucial time for ECU football, as the program seeks to improve its standing in the highly competitive landscape of college football. Fans and stakeholders alike will be keenly observing how Harrell and his newly formed staff will leverage their collective expertise to shape the future of the Pirates’ football program.
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Additional Resources
- Hero Sports
- The Daily Reflector
- ECU Pirates Official Site
- ESPN
- Google Search: Blake Harrell ECU Football
