East Carolina fires Mike Houston

[KentHogan]

I doubt there’s any chance Clark is removed before the season is over.

I expect there’s a chance he keeps his job no matter our final record.

Generally speaking, I’m beginning to doubt our financial ability and commitment to maintaining the program.

Time will tell.

[AppSt91]

If our financial situation is as bad as described, Gillin needs to be on the block also.

[AppStFan1]

If our financial situation is as bad as described, Gillin needs to be on the block also.

That is one thing I don't understand. How are we making a lot of money but always so low on it? Should we really be spending 50M on a facility when that money could be used for staff and player retention or to hire the next staff? I think some financial questions are fair to ask.

[spacemonkey]

It’s unfortunate things didn’t work out for Houston in Greenville. But I have no doubt he’ll land on his feet.

ECU’s issues stemmed largely from lack of QB talent. After the 2022 season, the Pirates desperately needed a “plug & play” QB1 to replace Holton Ahlers. Houston was a victim of wishful thinking; For a number of very clear reasons, he should’ve two years ago that Garcia wasn’t the answer.

Donnie Kirkpatrick was fired at the end of the 2023 season. He was a sacrificial lamb, but his offense wasn’t the issue. ECU’s OL was poor and Garcia just wasn’t up to the task of running the scheme. Even though some upgrades occurred across the OL in 2024, Garcia still struggled.

Houston went out and got Houser from the TP to challenge Garcia. The situation with Houser is a theme we can relate to as App fans: the kid’s upside seemed limitless, but it hasn’t materialized. We’ve seen some of the same things with QB’s and OL’s from the TP that haven’t lived up to the hype.

The nail in the coffin wasn’t getting smacked around by a very good Army team. The last straw was a humiliating loss to UNCC, because the team clearly gave up on Houston after that.

And while things aren’t great up on the mountain, I’m glad to say we haven’t seen this…yet.

This ^^ is why I keep hammering a running quarterback. There are so many variables in a passing quarterback that have to go right. Too much risk and not enough consistency.

[Stonewall]

The best teams it seems , and the best programs , have dual threat quarterbacks. It’s been that way for awhile.

[Saint3333]

We have a QB with the skill set to be a duel threat...

[AppStFan1]

The best teams it seems , and the best programs , have dual threat quarterbacks. It’s been that way for awhile.

Our best years we had a dual threat. I think you have to have one who is smart about when he runs and avoids unnecessary hits but it is vital.

[Bootsy]

It’s unfortunate things didn’t work out for Houston in Greenville. But I have no doubt he’ll land on his feet.

ECU’s issues stemmed largely from lack of QB talent. After the 2022 season, the Pirates desperately needed a “plug & play” QB1 to replace Holton Ahlers. Houston was a victim of wishful thinking; For a number of very clear reasons, he should’ve two years ago that Garcia wasn’t the answer.

Donnie Kirkpatrick was fired at the end of the 2023 season. He was a sacrificial lamb, but his offense wasn’t the issue. ECU’s OL was poor and Garcia just wasn’t up to the task of running the scheme. Even though some upgrades occurred across the OL in 2024, Garcia still struggled.

Houston went out and got Houser from the TP to challenge Garcia. The situation with Houser is a theme we can relate to as App fans: the kid’s upside seemed limitless, but it hasn’t materialized. We’ve seen some of the same things with QB’s and OL’s from the TP that haven’t lived up to the hype.

The nail in the coffin wasn’t getting smacked around by a very good Army team. The last straw was a humiliating loss to UNCC, because the team clearly gave up on Houston after that.

And while things aren’t great up on the mountain, I’m glad to say we haven’t seen this…yet.

This years Garcia was different than last years Garcia. He was a TP pickup along with Houser. We actually spoke with him at one point.

Good catch here…two different Garcia’s that both sucked. Maybe it was bad juju?

[MrCraig]

If our financial situation is as bad as described, Gillin needs to be on the block also.

That is one thing I don't understand. How are we making a lot of money but always so low on it? Should we really be spending 50M on a facility when that money could be used for staff and player retention or to hire the next staff? I think some financial questions are fair to ask.

I think it's perfectly fair to ask some questions, but I think some folks just make stuff up. Check out this site, which compiles finances for all FBS teams: https://www.sportico.com/business/comme ... 234646029/

App is tops in the Sun Belt in revenue. However, operating expenses for all athletics runs pretty close to revenue, so it looks like the school breaks even most years. That's good, but it means there isn't a whole lot of extra money to fire and hire coaches and whatnot.

[Stonewall]

The devil is in the details.

[AppStFan1]

If our financial situation is as bad as described, Gillin needs to be on the block also.

That is one thing I don't understand. How are we making a lot of money but always so low on it? Should we really be spending 50M on a facility when that money could be used for staff and player retention or to hire the next staff? I think some financial questions are fair to ask.

I think it's perfectly fair to ask some questions, but I think some folks just make stuff up. Check out this site, which compiles finances for all FBS teams: https://www.sportico.com/business/comme ... 234646029/

App is tops in the Sun Belt in revenue. However, operating expenses for all athletics runs pretty close to revenue, so it looks like the school breaks even most years. That's good, but it means there isn't a whole lot of extra money to fire and hire coaches and whatnot.

Most schools don't keep a reserve but I think they should. App should be taking about 250k or more a year to put in a savings account for buyouts or any emergency. If you spend 100% of what you make then there is nothing left for a rainy day.

[AppinVA]

If our financial situation is as bad as described, Gillin needs to be on the block also.

That is one thing I don't understand. How are we making a lot of money but always so low on it? Should we really be spending 50M on a facility when that money could be used for staff and player retention or to hire the next staff? I think some financial questions are fair to ask.

I think it's perfectly fair to ask some questions, but I think some folks just make stuff up. Check out this site, which compiles finances for all FBS teams: https://www.sportico.com/business/comme ... 234646029/

App is tops in the Sun Belt in revenue. However, operating expenses for all athletics runs pretty close to revenue, so it looks like the school breaks even most years. That's good, but it means there isn't a whole lot of extra money to fire and hire coaches and whatnot.

Most schools don't keep a massive war chest in reserve but I think they should. App should be taking about 250k or more a year to put in a savings account for buyouts or any emergency. If you spend 100% of what you make then there is nothing left for a rainy day.

Can a nonprofit do that?

[AppStFan1]

If our financial situation is as bad as described, Gillin needs to be on the block also.

That is one thing I don't understand. How are we making a lot of money but always so low on it? Should we really be spending 50M on a facility when that money could be used for staff and player retention or to hire the next staff? I think some financial questions are fair to ask.

I think it's perfectly fair to ask some questions, but I think some folks just make stuff up. Check out this site, which compiles finances for all FBS teams: https://www.sportico.com/business/comme ... 234646029/

App is tops in the Sun Belt in revenue. However, operating expenses for all athletics runs pretty close to revenue, so it looks like the school breaks even most years. That's good, but it means there isn't a whole lot of extra money to fire and hire coaches and whatnot.

Most schools don't keep a massive war chest in reserve but I think they should. App should be taking about 250k or more a year to put in a savings account for buyouts or any emergency. If you spend 100% of what you make then there is nothing left for a rainy day.

Can a nonprofit do that?

What I do know is schools have to spend a certain amount but not all of it. What I don't know is what that percentage is. That is why Liberty is always doing facility enhancements because they have to spend so much and they bring in a ton of money. That is a good question to ask Gillin.

[Stonewall]

If our financial situation is as bad as described, Gillin needs to be on the block also.

That is one thing I don't understand. How are we making a lot of money but always so low on it? Should we really be spending 50M on a facility when that money could be used for staff and player retention or to hire the next staff? I think some financial questions are fair to ask.

I think it's perfectly fair to ask some questions, but I think some folks just make stuff up. Check out this site, which compiles finances for all FBS teams: https://www.sportico.com/business/comme ... 234646029/

App is tops in the Sun Belt in revenue. However, operating expenses for all athletics runs pretty close to revenue, so it looks like the school breaks even most years. That's good, but it means there isn't a whole lot of extra money to fire and hire coaches and whatnot.

Most schools don't keep a massive war chest in reserve but I think they should. App should be taking about 250k or more a year to put in a savings account for buyouts or any emergency. If you spend 100% of what you make then there is nothing left for a rainy day.

Can a nonprofit do that?

Yes. It’s a state agency . There are ways to account for it. You have to retain a certain amount to cash flow operations and debt.

[NewApp]

Wonder if Ruffin has their phone number blocked?

[AppDub]

It’s unfortunate things didn’t work out for Houston in Greenville. But I have no doubt he’ll land on his feet.

ECU’s issues stemmed largely from lack of QB talent. After the 2022 season, the Pirates desperately needed a “plug & play” QB1 to replace Holton Ahlers. Houston was a victim of wishful thinking; For a number of very clear reasons, he should’ve two years ago that Garcia wasn’t the answer.

Donnie Kirkpatrick was fired at the end of the 2023 season. He was a sacrificial lamb, but his offense wasn’t the issue. ECU’s OL was poor and Garcia just wasn’t up to the task of running the scheme. Even though some upgrades occurred across the OL in 2024, Garcia still struggled.

Houston went out and got Houser from the TP to challenge Garcia. The situation with Houser is a theme we can relate to as App fans: the kid’s upside seemed limitless, but it hasn’t materialized. We’ve seen some of the same things with QB’s and OL’s from the TP that haven’t lived up to the hype.

The nail in the coffin wasn’t getting smacked around by a very good Army team. The last straw was a humiliating loss to UNCC, because the team clearly gave up on Houston after that.

And while things aren’t great up on the mountain, I’m glad to say we haven’t seen this…yet.

Worth noting, there were two Garcia's at QB during his tenure. Your thread read as if there was only one. Mason Garcia was supposed to be the heir apparent, but didn't pan out. Jake Garcia came in to run the offense this year after Mason transferred to Austin Peay. Not nitpicking your post. Just wanted to show one more hurdle Houston had to overcome in his tenure. Self inflicted a bit of course.

[Bootsy]

Thanks, someone else also noticed that. It's a shame that neither Garcia was a decent QB. A big reason why Houston is out of work this am.

[BallantyneApp]

If our financial situation is as bad as described, Gillin needs to be on the block also.

That is one thing I don't understand. How are we making a lot of money but always so low on it? Should we really be spending 50M on a facility when that money could be used for staff and player retention or to hire the next staff? I think some financial questions are fair to ask.

This is a business and we need to make business decisions. The sportico database that was linked has good information. Saying we don't have $500k or $1MM to buyout Clark isn't looking at the whole picture.

We generate $17MM from tickets and donations. How much of that is football driven...90%? Whats a 10% cut on $15MM? 25%? Now spending $.5MM or $1MM is a bargain to keep that going and growing.

Doug Gillin is paid a lot of money to find solutions and (with BOT and CEO approval) make these business decisions.

[BeauFoster]

If our financial situation is as bad as described, Gillin needs to be on the block also.

That is one thing I don't understand. How are we making a lot of money but always so low on it? Should we really be spending 50M on a facility when that money could be used for staff and player retention or to hire the next staff? I think some financial questions are fair to ask.

I think it's perfectly fair to ask some questions, but I think some folks just make stuff up. Check out this site, which compiles finances for all FBS teams: https://www.sportico.com/business/comme ... 234646029/

App is tops in the Sun Belt in revenue. However, operating expenses for all athletics runs pretty close to revenue, so it looks like the school breaks even most years. That's good, but it means there isn't a whole lot of extra money to fire and hire coaches and whatnot.

Look at basically every athletic budget in the US, you will find the same (that or they’re over-spending). It’s because if you operate under budget, you’re at risk of having next year’s budget reduced. It’s that way with every university department and private business.

It often means someone is spending the remainder in December on anything they want, whether it’s needed or not. Just the way of the world.

[Yosef1986]

If (and I am not making an argument on a buyout of not) a buyout is needed, and we do not have, or cannot afford to pay $500k or $1m to move on - we have a lot bigger issues than wins and losses. I believe we have 20k in students, a high level education and historically robust athletic department that many universities covet. Surely we have the funds to move on if needed.

If not- that would be worse than the current wins and losses this season.