Mike Houston signs extension through 2026 with East Carolina

The East Carolina Pirates are enjoying their first winning season since 2014 and have taken steps to ensure their leader stays put for the foreseeable future. 

East Carolina director of athletics Jon Gilbert confirmed Thursday that head coach Mike Houston has agreed to tentative terms of a proposed contract that will keep him linked with the program through the 2026 season. 

ESPN's Chris Low reports Houston's new deal carries an average annual value of $2.3 million after the coach earned $1.5 million this year. Low adds East Carolina will face a to-be-announced ACC opponent in the Military Bowl on Dec. 27. 

"It's truly an honor and privilege to be the head football coach at ECU, and I want to thank Chancellor Rogers and Jon Gilbert for their continued commitment to building a program we can all be proud of," Houston said for the prepared statement. 

"We still have unfinished business, but we are confident we are making strides daily to have a program we can all be proud of. Most importantly, Amanda and I, along with our two boys, love living in this community and being a part of the Pirates family. We look forward to seeing everybody in Annapolis on Dec. 27."

Houston joined East Carolina in December 2018 and holds an overall record of 14-19 during his tenure. However, the Pirates enter December at 7-5 for 2021 and will attempt to earn their eighth win for the first time since the 2014 season.