The inside linebackers could be a strength for East Carolina in 2017. The Pirates have significant experience at the two spots and have added personnel that may contribute immediately. Ryan Anderson, inside linebackers coach, shared his thoughts on a range of topics on Thursday. "Right now, we've got about eight guys," Anderson said. "It's a pretty old group. It's kind of … [Read more...]

In terms of accountability for firing Ruffin McNeill as football coach, East Carolina athletic director Jeff Compher has come out smelling like a rose. It was announced Tuesday by Dr. Cecil Staton, ECU chancellor, that the board of trustees had approved a contract extension and raise for Compher. The new contract is for five years — to April of 2023 — and includes a raise … [Read more...]

Tony Petersen hopes history will be repeating itself in 2017. The East Carolina offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach is optimistic about the prospect for improvement from the football staff's first season when the Pirates were 3-9 overall and 1-7 in the American Athletic Conference. Petersen was part of a significant improvement at Louisiana Tech that manifested … [Read more...]

Jeff Connors is putting his Hall of Fame skills to work as East Carolina's recovery process from a 3-9 football season in 2016 continues. ECU's assistant athletic director for strength and conditioning is not one to dwell on the negative. Connors is part drill sergeant, part research analyst and part personal trainer in doing what he does as the man in charge of offseason … [Read more...]