Mike Houston fired: Why was the Eastern Carolina coach dismissed?

After seven games in the 2024 college football season, the East Carolina Pirates (3-4, 1-2 American Athletic Conference) have decided to fire head coach Mike Houston. The firing came after the Pirates were defeated 45-28 by No. 23-ranked Army on Saturday. It was their second consecutive loss.

The East Carolina Pirates announced the news on their website, along with a statement from ECU Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert, who explained why Houston was fired.

"After a comprehensive evaluation of our football program, I informed Mike Houston this morning that we are making a change in leadership. this was a very difficult decision. Mike has led our program the last five plus seasons with tremendous class and has positively impacted so many student-athletes."

"After earning back-to-back bowl invitations, we looked poised for continued success. Unfortunately, we have not seen the resuls we all want, and a change is needed to move the program forward. We have high expectations and those are not changing."

Gilbert added that they are hopeful that they'll be able to hire a new coach. He also said that he looks forward to seeing the fans continue supporting the team.

"We are confident we will identify the right leader for our football program. I believe ECU is a premier job with a passionate fan base, unprecedented support from our Pirate Club Donors, and great facilities that continue to improve."

"Right now, we are focusing on our student-athletes as they compete for a postseason opportunity in the final five regular season games. My hope is Pirate Nation will rally around our student-athletes like they have always done."

The announcement ended with Pirates defensive coordinator Blake Harrell being named interim head coach for the rest of the season. He will take on the duties of Mike Houston until a new one is hired in the offseason.

East Carolina continues its season without Mike Houston

The East Carolina Pirates will need to rally around Blake Harrell now that Mike Houston is gone. The season is not over for them as they still have a chance to earn bowl eligibility.

To earn it, teams cannot have a losing record, so they will need to win at least three of their final five games.

East Carolina upcoming games

• Oct 26: vs Temple
• Nov 7: vs Florida Atlantic
• Nov 14: @ Tulsa
• Nov 23: @ North Texas
• Nov 29: vs Navy