In addition to 20 seniors graduating, ECU said goodbye to assistant head coach Rick Smith just before Christmas. Smith decided to retire after an illustrious 45-year coaching career, nine of which were spent with the Pirates. Throughout his time at ECU, Smith helped to lead the Pirates into six bowl game appearances.
“I've been blessed to be around so many special people and I'll certainly miss the day-to-day relationships I have with my players, helping them grow in life,” Smith said. “I've always stressed the value of an education and I'm exceptionally proud of the fact that most all my players have earned a degree.