Anthony Smith Named East Carolina Football Head Coach
East Carolina University has officially named Anthony Smith as its new head football coach, the school announced Saturday. The hiring comes after a weeks-long search following the departure of former coach Mike Houston, who left for a Power Five program last month.
Smith, 42, previously served as defensive coordinator at Memphis, where his units ranked among the top 25 nationally in scoring defense the past two seasons. ECU Athletic Director Jon Gilbert called Smith "a proven leader with championship pedigree" during Saturday's press conference in Greenville, North Carolina.
The hire is trending nationally as ECU seeks to revitalize its program after three consecutive losing seasons. Pirates fans have flooded social media with mixed reactions, with some praising Smith's defensive expertise while others question his lack of head coaching experience.
Smith inherits a team that went 4-8 last season in the American Athletic Conference. His first major challenge comes September 5 when ECU opens the 2026 season against in-state rival NC State. University officials confirmed Smith signed a five-year contract worth $2.3 million annually.
This marks Smith's first collegiate head coaching position after 15 years as an assistant at various programs. During his introductory press conference, he emphasized rebuilding ECU's defensive identity while maintaining offensive production. "We will play fast, physical football that makes Pirate Nation proud," Smith told reporters.
The coaching search gained national attention as ECU reportedly interviewed several high-profile candidates, including former NFL coaches. Smith's hiring completes a busy offseason for the AAC, which has seen four schools change head coaches since December.
ECU players were informed of the decision during a team meeting Saturday morning. Multiple players tweeted their support, with senior linebacker Jason Henderson writing: "Time to get to work. Coach Smith bringing that DAWG mentality."
Smith will begin assembling his staff immediately, with sources indicating several Memphis assistants may join him in Greenville. The university plans a formal welcome event for fans next week at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
