Blake Harrell became East Carolina’s head coach after proving he could do the job.
He was ECU’s defensive coordinator and became the team’s interim head coach during the 2024 season after Mike Houston was fired. ECU was 3-4 at the time.
Harrell led the Pirates to four straight victories and a win in the Go Bowling Military Bowl over NC State.
ECU hopes to be even better in 2025. Here’s more about Harrell and his resume.
What’s East Carolina Head Coach Blake Harrell’s Salary?
Blake Harrell reportedly signed a four-year deal that will pay him about $1.3 million per year and will come with incentives. Previous head coach Mike Houston made $2.5 million in 2024, according to USA Today.
Blake Harrell’s Coaching History
| Years | Team | Position |
| 2024-Present | East Carolina | HC |
| 2020-24 | East Carolina | DC/LBs |
| 2019 | Kennesaw St. | DC |
| 2014-18 | The Citadel | DC/LBs |
| 2007-13 | Lenoir-Rhyne | D. Run Game Coor./STC/LBs |
| 2001-02 | Western Carolina | Student Asst. |
What’s East Carolina Head Coach Blake Harrell’s Record?
Blake Harrell is 5-1 in the FBS as a head coach, all from last season at ECU. He’s 1-0 in bowl games.
How Old Is East Carolina Head Coach Blake Harrell?
Blake Harrell is 45 years old.
East Carolina Head Coach Blake Harrell’s Background
Harrell had been ECU’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach since 2020. He coached several all-conference players and 2022 All-American Ja’Quan McMillian.
Before going to ECU, he was at Kennesaw State, which was in the FCS at the time, for one season as its defensive coordinator. The Owls were 11-3 and made the second round of the FCS Playoffs as they ranked first in the Big South in several statistical categories in 2019.
Before that, he spent five years at The Citadel, with the last three of those seasons being the team’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. The team’s defense was among the best in the SoCon in several areas during that time.
Harrell also was a defensive run game coordinator, special teams coordinator, linebackers coach, and recruiting coordinator at Lenoir-Rhyne University from 2007-13. During his final season there, the team reached the Division II national championship. He began his coaching career as a student assistant at Western Carolina before coaching at the high school level.
