Defensive Coordinator Brian Mitchell’s Contract Not Renewed

Head Football Coach Ruffin McNeill Makes Staff Change

GREENVILLE, NC Jan. 3, 2013 - The contract of Brian Mitchell, East Carolina University’s defensive coordinator and secondary coach since 2010, will not be renewed according to an announcement by head football coach Ruffin McNeill Thursday.

Mitchell joined McNeill’s staff on Jan. 25, 2010 after spending four years as cornerbacks coach at Texas Tech and 11 previous seasons as an assistant at alma mater Brigham Young.

“There’s never a good time to make a coaching change, especially one that involves a friend and colleague who I respect professionally,” McNeill said. “However, I have the responsibility and commitment to maintain the best interest for this program and East Carolina University.”

McNeill indicated a search to find a replacement to direct the Pirates’ defense will begin immediately and added that he would not comment on personnel until the process has been completed.