Football
Thweatt, Byron
Byron Thweatt
- Title:
- Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers
- Email:
- thweattb18@ecu.edu
- Phone:
- (252) 737-4570
- Assumed special teams coordinator role and made move to defensive ends/outside linebackers coach prior to spring drills in 2020 following the arrival of defensive coordinator Blake Harrell...
- Officially named to the Pirates’ staff as inside linebackers coach on Dec. 21, 2018 …
- Has experienced three FCS National Championship Game appearances, two national titles and an FBS bowl victory in 15 overall seasons as a collegiate coach …
- Made notable impact during first season at ECU working with the interior LBs as top pupil Xavier Smith topped all tacklers with 81 stops (40 solo) and stood second on unit with four pass breakups ...
- Unit helped the Pirates force at least one turnover in 11-straight contests (the program's longest streak since a 14-game run in 2009) ...Â
- Prior to his arrival at East Carolina, served as linebackers coach at Marshall (2018), helping the Herd to a 9-4 record, a Bad Boy Gasparilla Bowl win over USF and Top 20 FBS statistiÂcal rankings in seven categories - including a No. 10 standing in rush defense (105.3 ypg) …
- Tutored the linebackers at James Madison in 2016 and 2017, which resulted in a 28-2 record, back-to-back CAA crowns, two FCS title game showings and one naÂtional championship …
- In 2017, the Dukes led FCS in four different categories (scoring defense/11.1 ppg, interceptions/31, total takeaways/44 and defensive pass efficiency/83.12), while also standing third nationally in total deÂfense/252.0 ypg, turnover margin/+1.47 and defenÂsive TDs/5) …
- Played key role in JMU’s defensive turnaround during his first season in 2016 as the Dukes ranked eighth nationally in turnover margin (+1.13) and 17th in scoring defense (21.2 ppg) …
- In all, coached three All-CAA selections, including All-America performer Kyre Hawkins during his tenÂure in Harrisonburg …
- Was Virginia State’s (NCAA Division II) head coach in 2015, leading the Trojans to a 6-4 record and a third-place finish in the CIAA Northern Division …
- Spent eight overall seasons (2007-14) at Richmond coaching a myriad of positions while also serving as the program’s director of high school relations and reÂcruiting coordinator …
- The Spiders recorded three 10-plus win seasons, made four FCS playoff appearances and captured the 2008 naÂtional championship during his stay on the UR staff …
- Participated in the prestigious NFL Bill Walsh Minority Internship with the Redskins (2013) …
- Opened collegiate coaching career as a graduate assisÂtant at alma mater Virginia (2006) …
- A four-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference choice and two-year team captain as a player with the Cavaliers who made 47 starts and tallied 387 career tackles …
- As a senior, garnered Football News Honorable MenÂtion All-America honors and was a finalist for the Bill Dudley Award after recording 125 tackles …
- Pro career consisted of stints with the Buccaneers, TiÂtans and NFL Europe …
- Earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Virginia in 2000 …
- Is married (Mieya) and the father of daughters BrianÂna, Bryce and Bralyn ...
- Age 42Â (March 21).
ECU Football Coach Blake Harrell Presser Army
Monday, September 22
ECU Post-Game Interviews (Sept. 20, 2025)
Sunday, September 21
09/16/25 Inside Pirate Athletics
Tuesday, September 16
ECU Head Football Coach Blake Harrell Weekly Press Conference (Sept. 15, 2025)
Monday, September 15
