East Carolina head coach Ruffin McNeill has been relieved of his duties, the school announced in a release Friday. In six seasons with the school, McNeill posted a 42-34 record, with a 30-18 mark in conference play.
East Carolina fires Ruffin McNeill 2 years after a 10-win season
That’s a surprise!
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The firing centered around McNeill’s refusal to make changes on his coaching staff, reports SB Nation’s Steven Godfrey.
“After deliberate evaluation, the decision has been made to move our football program in a different direction with new leadership.” athletic director Jeff Compher said in the release. “We are appreciative of the hard work, dedication and contributions Coach McNeill and his staff have made to both East Carolina University and our community.”
The Pirates went 5-7 this season after losing offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley, quarterback Shane Carden and FBS record-setting wide receiver Justin Hardy, missing a bowl game for the first time since 2011. McNeill never won less than five games in his time with ECU, making four bowl games in six years and winning 10 games in 2013. The Pirates also won a share of the C-USA East in 2012.
Under McNeill, East Carolina upsets of ACC Coastal schools like North Carolina, NC State and Virginia Tech became so common we made a treasure map for the Pirates. Riley would appear to be a potential candidate. Now with Oklahoma, he’s been a candidate for the South Carolina job.
A former defensive assistant under Mike Leach, McNeill was an East Carolina defensive back in his playing days and took over his alma mater in 2010. For more on the Pirates, head to Underdog Dynasty.
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