College Football Program Becomes First FBS Team to Fire Head Coach This Season

The East Carolina Pirates have terminated head coach Mike Houston after six seasons, marking the first change in the FBS coaching carousel for the 2024 college football season.

After four seasons, it seemed that Houston was beginning to build a strong program. He finished with a record of 7-14 in his first two seasons but then achieved back-to-back winning seasons, culminating in a bowl game victory. His record for those two successful seasons was 15-10. However, East Carolina has decided to make a change following a disappointing 2-10 season last year and a 3-4 start this season.

Blake Harrell has been appointed interim head coach for the remainder of the season. He has served as the Pirates' defensive coordinator since 2020.

Houston's contract was initially set to run through December of 2026, with an annual salary of $2.3 million. Following a 7-5 season in 2021, East Carolina extended Houston's contract by signing him to a new five-year agreement, adding three years to his original contract. That 7-5 season marked the Pirates' first winning record since 2014.

The Pirates are now looking for a new head coach while trying to salvage what remains of this season. With a record of 3-4, they need to win three out of their final five games to qualify for a bowl game.

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