An Update From AD Jon Gilbert

Pirate Nation:

We are thrilled to announce Blake Harrell as the next head coach of the ECU Football program! This is an exciting day for Blake, his wife Jessie, and their three daughters - Kennedy, Kingston, and Aspen – and we could not be more excited for what lies ahead.

After a thorough search and conversations with many qualified candidates, it became clear that Blake is the ideal leader for our program. Over the last four regular season games, I entrusted Blake with the interim head coach role, and he exceeded all expectations. He clearly demonstrated his leadership abilities with our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, and his contagious energy and enthusiasm inspired everyone around him. From day one, he emphasized the importance of playing for each other, and our young men have responded in a meaningful way. Blake's five years with the Pirate family have given him a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with leading the ECU Football program.

His gifted leadership skills, deep football knowledge, elite communication abilities, and strong rapport with our players position him perfectly to build a championship program.

Blake and I have spoken daily throughout the process, and he communicated a detailed vision of his approach to lead the Pirates. He is committed to an aggressive, exciting style of football and to build a roster that reflects excellence on and off the field. Most importantly, he is passionate about leading our student-athletes in all aspects of their lives, setting a standard of excellence in all we do.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics – with the prominence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the introduction of revenue sharing – we are confident in Blake's ability to guide us successfully through this era. The next month is vital for our football program, and we are committed to building on the momentum that has already been established.

I'm excited about the future of ECU Football, and I know that with Pirate Nation's unwavering support, we can elevate our program to new heights. Success is not possible without you. Thank you for your continued generosity, support, and belief in our vision. Together, we will make the Pirate family proud.

Go Pirates!

Jon

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