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Coach Mo, the head coach of the East Carolina Pirates has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately. The announcement was made on Thursday afternoon by East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil P. Staton.

“As much as we would have liked the outcome to be different, the progress of a program is ultimately measured by its competitiveness, win total and championships,” Staton said. “It is our decision to move in a different direction with new leadership.

“He cared deeply for his players, was an outstanding mentor, and always focused on the word ‘student’ in student-athlete. We wish him all the best.”

Scottie Montgomery held a closed-door meeting around 12noon to inform his players and coaching staff of the announcement. Since the decision is effective immediately, Scottie will not be on the sidelines for ECU’s season finale on Saturday against NC State. The game will be led by defensive coordinator David Blackwell.

Coach Mo’s replacement has not be announced yet but the search is on for a new head coach AND a new athletic director. ECU says the new AD will finalize the new head coach. Mo’s record during his time with the Pirates is 9-28, only winning 4 AAC games. Montgomery failed to deliver on a bowl game in 2018 after promising an appearance after the teams season final in 2017. He came from Duke after spending 3 years there on the staff as assistant head coach for the last 2 years, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Montgomery was hired by former Athletic Director, Jeff Compher, to replace Ruffin McNeil after the 2015 football season. Montgomery had two years left on his contract, which includes a base annual salary of $400,000, plus additional compensation for promotions and broadcast obligations. The buyout clause in his contract is for the base salary only, which is paid exclusively by the athletics department and not with taxpayer dollars.

Written by Clarke Jones

Source: WNCT