Blake Harrell set to be promoted as East Carolina head coach

East Carolina University (ECU) is expected to promote interim head coach Blake Harrell to the permanent position, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday.

Harrell, who took over on October 20, has led the team to a perfect 4-0 record and helped ECU achieve a 7-4 overall record for the season.

The ECU board of trustees still needs to formally approve a contract for Harrell, and a meeting is anticipated in the coming days. The decision to make the promotion official is expected to occur later this week.

Harrell's leadership has impressed the ECU administration, with sources noting the "contagious energy" he has brought to the program. There is a belief within the school that the head coaching job at ECU can be one of the most desirable positions in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) due to the university's 50,000-seat stadium and dedicated fan base. The search for a new coach focused on finding someone who could maximize the potential of the job.

Since taking the reins, Harrell has employed a hands-on coaching approach, scaling back practices to maintain player freshness while focusing on enhancing their overall experience. The players have responded positively, securing victories against Temple, Florida Atlantic, Tulsa, and North Texas.

This past Saturday, ECU overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat North Texas 40-28, and the emotional win sparked an outpouring of support for Harrell from the team. Quarterback Katin Houser and several other key players have publicly endorsed Harrell as the full-time head coach.

Harrell, 46, who was previously ECU’s defensive coordinator, has deep roots in the Carolinas, having played at Western Carolina and coached at Lenoir-Rhyne and The Citadel before moving on to Kennesaw State.

Harrell is poised to succeed Mike Houston, who was fired after a six-season tenure.