The college football world was dealt a shocking blow on Friday morning when East Carolina head coach Ruffin McNeill was fired. The former Pirates defensive back went 42-34 in six seasons with the program, leading them to two eight-win seasons and one 10-win seasons after departing his post as Texas Tech defensive coordinator in 2009.
After winning 26 games from 2012-2014, East Carolina went 5-7 this season, missing bowl eligibility for the first time since 2011 and just the second time since 2005. The team suffered massive personnel losses, most notably quarterback Shane Carden and receiver Justin Hardy, thus partially contributing to their three-win decline. The five-win season, however, was not expected to result in leadership change.
Carden and Hardy were among the many current and former players that voiced the strong displeasure on Twitter:
Freshman quarterback John Jacobs III:
Football players gonna be in a uproar we all came here because of @RuffinMcNeill
— John Jacobs III (@JohnTJacobsIII) December 4, 2015
[divider] Junior wide receiver Isaiah Jones:
By far, the greatest loss we’ve had all year.
— Isaiah Jones (@ZayJones7) December 4, 2015
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Former quarterback Shane Carden:
I love ECU but if this news is true about Ruff being fired, I’m deeply upset about this decision and want to hear an explanation
— shane carden (@Capn_Carden5) December 4, 2015
[divider] Former wide receiver Justin Hardy:
Im furious right now
— Justin Hardy (@FreakMagic2) December 4, 2015
Upgrade the program? Don’t make me laugh I call BS
— Justin Hardy (@FreakMagic2) December 4, 2015
[divider] Former tight end Kyle Doll:
Pissed off. Character is no longer valued at the collegiate level. At a loss for words so I’m gonna keep my mouth shut now. #RuffForPrez
— Kyle Doll (@DollCHEESE84) December 4, 2015
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Junior punter Worth Gregory:
Everyone at ECU will always remember that feeling against UCF last season…This is worse.
— Worth Gregory (@WorthGregory40) December 4, 2015
[divider] Freshman offensive lineman Garrett McGhin:
No better coach in the country.
— Garrett McGhin (@THEMANGMAC) December 4, 2015
