East Carolina coach Blake Harrell opened spring practice Wednesday morning, guiding the Pirates through a 90-minute, fundamentals-focused workout in shorts and helmets despite mid-30s temperatures. It was the first of 15 sessions that will culminate in the Purple-Gold Spring Game on April 15 at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

The Pirates build on back-to-back Go Bowling Military Bowl titles, including a 23-17 win over Pittsburgh in December 2025 that capped a 9-4 season. In his second year as head coach, Harrell emphasized core techniques while integrating new staff and players.

ECU returns seven starters from the 2025 championship team: linebackers D.J. Johnson Jr. and Jordan Miles, punter Tomas O’Halloran, defensive lineman Jasiyah Robinson, return specialist Kyler Pearson, placekicker Everett Scott, and wide receiver Brock Spalding. Overall, 28 letterwinners are back — eight on offense, 15 on defense, and five on special teams.

Harrell’s coaching staff features five new assistants: offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jordan Davis, defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Jordon Hankins, running backs coach Julian Griffin, offensive line coach Alex Huettel, and wide receivers coach Juan Soto.

ECU adds 40 newcomers — 20 on offense, 19 on defense, and one on special teams — including 23 mid-year enrollees, 15 true freshmen, and two redshirt signees from the December signing period.

The Pirates return to practice on Friday for another session in shorts and helmets before progressing to shells on Monday, Mar. 23.

An ECU Athletics news release contributed to this article.