Following the shocking firing of beloved head coach Ruffin McNeill, East Carolina announced Sunday evening it had hired Duke offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery as his replacement.
A Tar Heel State native, Montgomery served as David Cutcliffe‘s top lieutenant, carrying the title of associate head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. (Let us take this moment to consider being second-in-command at Duke a positive bullet in a coach’s resume. What a time to be alive.) Montgomery coached at Duke from 2006-09, then left for a job coaching receivers on Mike Tomlin‘s staff with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2010-12.
“Ten days ago I said that I was looking for someone who will be a fierce competitor, who will lead our football program to championships, while equally demanding academic success. As we worked through the entire search process, it became overwhelmingly clear that Scottie Montgomery possesses every attribute necessary to put our football program in a position to win championships and graduate our student-athletes,” ECU athletics director Jeff Compher said in a statement. “His foundation is his family and his character is exhibited through his reputation built by his unparalleled work ethic and the truly special relationships he develops with his players and coaches.
“While there was great interest by many during our search, the only offer we extended was based on Scottie’s success, vision and desire to be a part of Pirate Nation. That made our decision a clear and resounding one.”
Duke ranked 40th nationally in total offense this season, while Thomas Sirk became one of four Power 5 signal callers to lead his team in both passing and rushing.
Montgomery inherits a program that reached a bowl game in eight of his past 10 seasons, but slipped to 5-7 this fall, prompting McNeill’s abrupt dismissal.
Montgomery will be introduced at a press conference 1 p.m. ET on Monday.
