Coach Holtz Comments On Syracuse Rumors
Coach Holtz Comments On Syracuse Rumors Save Email Print
Posted: 8:47 PM Dec 3, 2008
Last Updated: 8:47 PM Dec 3, 2008

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Greenville - East Carolina head coach Skip Holtz talked to WITN's Dave Marcheskie about the rumors that Holtz could be headed to Syracuse as well as other distractions before the Pirates take the field against Tulsa in Saturday's C-USA game.

When asked if he or an agent had spoken to Syracuse, Coach Holtz laughed "I don't have an agent and I'm not looking for another job."

Holtz went on to say the attention and rumors aren't a distraction and that he and the team are focused on winning the school's first ever C-USA title.

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Posted by: rumplestilskin awakes on Dec 23, 2008 at 04:26 AM
Ok people get real. First and foremost he cant sail this ship any farther. ECU is and will not ever be a BCS school. There would be too many bcs schools in the same state. ITs bad enough that we have five division 1 football schools in this state. Uhm charlie wise is not getting fired they have already said that. Syracuse is a big east team in the need of a Quality head coach to take them on. IS SKIP the guy not sure ECU is not the stepping stone in my opinion, espeacially when he was giving the reins at USC as off cord. they lost 4 straight. The big time may be out of reach for him, but don't think he wont try. ECU can't offer much more for him. And please sam from williamston stop with the facts that make no sense it's clear you don't know that much about college football. Where are you comming up with these off the wall opionions and so called facts?

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 13, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Anonymous: Let's be objective for a minute and for both of us to NOT be opinionated. Also for both of us to put Mr. Skip Holtz out of our minds. Here is the requirement pick any coach from any of the BCS schools that are going to the big bowls and check his credentials that lead to their hiring. Thank you

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 11, 2008 at 09:55 PM
DEADFISH I know Skip bring it everytime the team takes the field.His dad the same when he coach my cousin at state.Skip has what it takes to get the job done look at this yr what the team battle though.He indeed a great coach.His resume' speaks for itself.just go suck on a egg dead fish you I see do not know nothing.Excuse me pirate nation.Deadfish remain as your name states lol.

Posted by: UT-PIRATE Location: Brunswick County on Dec 11, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Being a Tennessee and ECU grad, I have seem where ECU has come from and what UT has sunk to. Believe ECU is special - very special; UT is great but can't hold a light to ECU when it comes to atmosphere, shear excitement, etc. I would hate to see Skip leave. He has been just what the doctor ordered for our program. But I've seen a lot of coaches come and go and the bottom line is produce or get the boot. Best thing that ever happened to ECU was Bill Lewis leaving and hiring Logan rather than Phil Former who was assumed to be the next coach at ECU per the Knoxville paper (where I lived for 24 years). I want blame Holtz for going to a better program; I beleive he would regret a move to Syracuse because if he can't pull off the same act he did in greenville he will be booted out the door in a heartbeat.

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 11, 2008 at 02:22 AM
Hooks: Big time programs mean big time qualifications. That means Mr. Skip Holtz résumé is NOT fat enough to get him the ND job, period. It doesn't matter if his last name is Holtz or King Kong, OK? Sheesh! Furthermore if your AD does his homework there are plenty of competitive young OC's and DC's that can do just as good of a job as Mr. Holtz had. There is plenty of fish in the sea! It is NOT the end of the world, OK? SH is NOT Moses...

Posted by: Hooks Location: greenville on Dec 10, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Well all I can say if with Skip success as he is known for rebuilding programs he will be a good fit for the orangeman.thta is reality.As bad as I would hate to see him go but if he is not out this yr next yr would be a fit for him at ND.I rather have a wishful thinking back here in Logan or the the Bowden boys in Tommy or Terry some one who can raise the bar and get ECU out of C-USA into a BCS conference.Lets go PIRATES!!! Arghhhhh

Posted by: Alex Location: Vanceboro on Dec 10, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Why would Holtz want to go to the armpit of the northeast in Syracuse?

Posted by: Larry Location: Washington on Dec 10, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Pirate nation expected Skip Holtz to deliver a conference championship to Greenville. He did it and in a timely fashion. ECU PIRATES--2008 CONFERENCE USA CHAMPIONS!! None of us have a clue if Skip is staying/leaving. If he does leave, I am sure we will find another coach..Then you guys will have something else to talk about! DUANE STATES "Pirate fans should focus on a new coach". Get a life dude...I am looking forward to watching some bowl games. Oh, that was another thing the Pirate nation wanted to get back to..How we forget............

Posted by: The Pirate Lady Location: Grimesland on Dec 8, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Well, I don't think geography is going to play a factor. If Skip leaves, it's because they are offering him something ECU can't. It's not like Skip hasn't spent time in the northeast, he's been at UConn and Notre Dame. Duane, I do agree that we should focus on a new coach, but right now it's still a possibility, not definite, b/c we haven't heard a formal announcement yet. Once we hear yay or nay, we will have to move on from this whole issue and either be happy Skip is here another year, or get ready for a new coach and support whatever choice Holland makes in a replacement.

Posted by: Sam Location: Williamston on Dec 8, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Sean from Cuse, yeah Greenville has some cold days, but now near as much as Syracuse does, plus our basketball team is on the rise FYI, or otherwise we would not be 7-1. Plus our baseball squad is in the NCAA tournament and has won a regular season and a tournament for C-USA. What has Syracuse ever done in baseball, and if ECU really owes Syracuse something from a back out I would love to know. For others, NC is a way better place to live than NY, I had a cousin that used to live in Rochester, which is near Syracuse, and she was an ECU alum from about 20 years ago. She told me that she was miserable up in New York. Things are all messed up there and things normally go very well around here.

Posted by: Sam Location: Williamston on Dec 8, 2008 at 02:04 PM
There is no way that Skip will leave for Syracuse! He loves Greenville and the rest of Eastern North Carolina too much, especially to coach a squad that has to share a facility with the basketball, baseball, soccer, and other athletic programs. Skip Holtz would find that very unattractive, he is first class and ECU is first class when it comes to facilities.

Posted by: Duane Location: Emerald Isle on Dec 8, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Pirate fans need to focus on a new coach!!! Bud Foster, (VT defensive cord) 75% of his recruits come from the Va. Beach area with ECU being closer than VT this could be huge for ECU. Tech is where they are because of Foster not Beamer any Tech fan will tell you that.. Holtz is gone get over it..

Posted by: The Pirate Lady Location: Grimesland on Dec 8, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Well said, Kim!

Posted by: I'm w/ mike s.va on Dec 8, 2008 at 11:14 AM
My money is on Skip holding out for Weiss' job at Notre Dame. What would the downside b? TV coverage all day long, a prestigous program, and family history. I hope Skip stays- he's done a lot for ECU, but if I were him- when Weiss is booted next season, that's where I'd go.

Posted by: The Pirate Lady Location: Grimesland on Dec 8, 2008 at 10:15 AM
CuseFan, thanks for your sentiments. But I think a lot of fans would be very disappointed if Skip leaves, and that's not anything against you, that's just the reality of it. Oh, and I should warn you guys that Deadfish is NOT an ECU fan, lol. He's a Trojan all day, but he follows recruiting heavily and college football in general, so he gives us some insight, whether we like it or not, lol.

Posted by: Kim Location: Greenville on Dec 8, 2008 at 09:01 AM
I have been reading the comments this morning and thought it would just be more appropriate to comment on the game at Tulsa. The defense was outstanding. Tulsa never knew what hit them. The Tulsa quarterback was stunned and intimidated by the Pirates. In all of this scenario, let's not forget Greg Hudson. He has created a defense that is second to none in the conference. We all know what the BCS is all about, money. ECU remains one of the most outstanding teams on the field this year. Defense wins championships. If Skip decides to leave he has earned his promotion. Hudson could take this team forward and it wouldn't miss a beat. I appreciate Skip and hope he stays, but ECU will continue to be a player in the game of college football. Afterall, they are still one of the best teams to watch or they wouldn't be on television so often. Go Pirates, beat Kentucky, and prove my point that you are one of the best teams in the nation. You have made us proud.

Posted by: @@@ on Dec 8, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Ben, I just read your comment on "this God forsaken town"! DO we see a MOVING van in front of your house yet? Bet you're really a northerner that thought you could come down here and change us southerners, huh? If your are southern by birth, you need to get a grip! Carolina, yeah! luv it or leave it.

Posted by: mike s.va Location: va on Dec 7, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Skip...y take any job now, especially syracuse when your dream job is only a year away....Charley Weiss is as good as gone and then you will have Notre Dame. We need to start thinking about our next man...Bud Foster,Kendall Gill, or one of our own, Kirk Doll [experience @ ND, LSU and is currently working @ Texas A@M. I played with Kirk in 71 @ 72 @ECU and I know from our conversation last year during the Sonny Randle reunion that this would be his dream job

Posted by: Greenville Location: Greenville on Dec 7, 2008 at 10:14 PM
ESPN just stated Holtz has an interview this week. according to his dad 1000 pm

Posted by: CuseFan on Dec 7, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Geirgo...I somewhat agree with you, but dogs usually use a tree for something else. Pirate fans...sincerely. Coach may stay; coach may go. SU has been in the gutter. ECU will be fine.

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 7, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Frank first of ALL thanks for providing us the link. Secondly The Pirate Lady, Mr. T, Barry and the rest of you ECU fans this link is a MUST READ: http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/ This last report dated today at 1648 EDT. ECU fans keep checking the above link to keep yourselves informed. I'm beginning to think he will take the 'Cuse job. Mr. Holland go after Ed Orgeron...

Posted by: Geirgo Location: Syracuse NY on Dec 7, 2008 at 05:47 PM
For your edification, you bark "up a tree" not "at" it. You can of course, bark "at" the moon - which I suggest you do.

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 7, 2008 at 04:02 PM
CuseFan: Please: READ, thank you. Secondly the experts said that about the Syracuse program "NOT like it used to be". Furthermore I spell desperate desperate NOT "desparate", please? Furthermore if you want to defend Syracuse you left out Mr. Jim Brown and Donovan McNabb. I think you are barking at the wrong tree. For the record I have heard of the personalities you mentioned. Also for the record I am a huge Univ. Sou. Cal. fan. The Trojans, OK, got it? Let me educate you some more CuseFan Syracuse AD Dr. Daryl Gross was AAD at USC to Mr. Mike Garrett. Mr. Garrett was USC's first of seven Heisman trophy winners. Please don't get me started, OK? Thank you. BTW please recharge your batteries... Good day!

Posted by: The Pirate Lady Location: Grimesland on Dec 7, 2008 at 12:14 PM
I read that article frank posted. It sucks that Syracuse wants to take Skip away, but almost flattering that they consider him a good coach worthy of shaping up their program. I think Holland needs to see the writing on the wall: Skip will most likely be announcing that he's leaving this week. It sucks for the Pirate Nation and most especially for our team, because with our bowl game looming ahead, this is one distraction they DON'T need...but they can either let this get them down, or use it as a chip on their shoulder and play a darn good game. Holland needs to start thinking about a suitable replacement, FAST. DF, maybe he should listen to you!

Posted by: CuseFan Location: Cicero, NY on Dec 7, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Deadfish - nice try with your post Sat nite. You sound like a desparate Pirate fan trying to convince yourself, other fans, and maybe even Coach Holtz that: (1) Syracuse would be a horrible choice for Holtz; and (2) and probably more so, "PLEASE don't leave ECU!" The experts you quote apparently say "Syracuse program is NOT what it used to be." The term expert is rather subjective. Seems like there are a lot in the world. In reference to their "Program," I'm not sure that a four year stint by one coach is sufficient to arrive at a conclusion about a college program's worth. Have you checked the bowl appearances over the previous 10 years? SU is "college student-pathetic," eh? Sure, they have their share of slackers. Ever hear of Bob Costas, Mike Tirico, Jim Boeheim, Ted Koppell, Dick Stockton, Barbara Brandon, Sean McDonough, Len Berman, Vanessa Williams, and on and on. Next time you see Coach Holtz, shake his hand, wish him well and help ECU find a new coach.

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 7, 2008 at 06:49 AM
Frank: You are the official web KING of this blog! Thanks for posting the link. ECU Pirates fans: Here are my two cents and please hear me out: If I were Mr. Holland I go after Ed Orgeron. Who is Ed Orgeron: -former USC Trojans Defensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for Pete Carroll -former Ole Miss HC *Houston Nutt is winning with his recruiting class -former New Orleans Saints LB coach *He is rumored to go to TN Vols with Lane Kiffin as his DC/Recruiting Coordinator. Furthermore he is well known as a reputable competitive recruiter who knows the South well. A Sporting News writer about two years ago said: "He can recruit a raincoat". He's a hard charger during practices and a disciplinarian. He won't come cheap. He's also a Cajun guy from Louisiana. Is Dave hiding from me? USC VS PSU in the rose Bowl! As I said earlier USC lost their OC to Washington. Again congratulations ECU fans!

Posted by: Frank Location: Washngton on Dec 7, 2008 at 03:36 AM
Follow this link and make up your own mind http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2008/12/holtztosyracuse_move_gathers_m.html

Posted by: Dewey Location: Greenville on Dec 7, 2008 at 01:32 AM
If Skip leaves......get Logan back. He would still be here if it wasn't for Hamrick's idiocy.

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 6, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Barry and ECU fans: Congratulations ECU and Pirate fans winning the C-USA championship! If you watched the ECU game then you know as much a I do. We learned Mr. Holtz will be interviewed tomorrow(Sun). We'll definitely know something Monday. my Trojans got a probable coaching defection problem as well. The OC is unofficially the next Washington coach. BTW the Trojans are going to the Rose Bowl. I'll let Mr. Dave talk some smack, you know! Later guys! DF

Posted by: Barry Location: Greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:35 PM
deadfish, my man, I sincerely hope that you are correct on this one, but my own dang logic suggests otherwise. I also believe that ECU will hire a more than competent replacement. But, Cheers for the research and thoughts.

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 5, 2008 at 09:30 PM
I have spent at least 1.5 hrs researching the Syracuse team(5 web sites). Based on that reading Skip Holtz is merely a wishful thinking. If any of you have solid info please post the links. I'd be embarrassed to post and use there as possessive noun in a sentence instead of their-supposedly a college student-pathetic. I posted about two weeks ago that recruiting Syracuse and for Syracuse is extremely hard because the Syracuse program is NOT what it used to be. Those are NOT my words but the experts'. Unless one of you know different Mr. Holtz has NOT been interviewed. New Orleans Saints OC Doug Marrone(former Orange FB player) seems to be in contention for the job. IF I were Mr. Holtz I stay even if Syracuse offers much more money. Syracuse is NOT an attractive program IMHO. Mr. Holtz needs to fatten-up his résumé before he considers or is considered by bigger programs. He's NOT ready for "prime time"! Bill your numbers are correct. The risk factors of your numbers are NOT correct, Sir

Posted by: Thomas Location: Lexington, NC on Dec 5, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Ed Emory did not leave! He was forced out! Don't try to act like you know what you're talking about! He turned down the Miami job after they won the national title because he wanted to stay at East Carolina because he bleeds purple so much!

Posted by: unk on Dec 5, 2008 at 05:34 PM
fmrecpirate, Let me also remind you that Art Baker's seniors were the 1991 team, ranked 9th in the country. I wonder where we would be if AD hadn't fired him the year before. Ed was a good recruiter, but questionable in coaching play ideas. I was at the ECU-Carolina game. The only play he used was run it up the middle, run it up the middle. What an embarassment wading out of the stadium through that sea of Carolina fans.

Posted by: BRENDA Location: GREENVILLE on Dec 5, 2008 at 05:27 PM
To Veronica Yes, I can read and why do you have to be so nasty?! If someone offered you 2 Million dollars don't you think you would leave ECU too? I didn't say he was leaving but said best wishes and he will be missed if he decides to go!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 04:17 PM
My bad Bill, it was wall the endorsements and everything that made it to 2 Mill.

Posted by: fmrecpirate Location: Greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Unk! Don't add Ed Emory to your list...he didn't leave by choice and my opinion we would be a VT because of the take anyone on anytime attitude. Look at the schedules in the early to mid 80 that Ed had ECU playing - Auburn (Bo Jackson), LSU (Dalton Hilliard), Miami (Michael Irvin, Vinny T.), Fla., Fla. St. (prime time), Penn St. and others. We played a beast of schedule and if they would have let Coach Emory to continue we would already be in the Big East or SEC. Let's all remember that the other sports also play a role in what conference you get into... Basketball has to step it up. My 2 cents worth! Also, I would not blame Coach if he decides to leave...... your options are Coach a school that could play for the National Championship or continue to strive to be the Memphis Bowl Champ. Seems like a no brainer to me.

Posted by: Bill Location: Greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Chris, 2 million is almost twice what he makes at ECU (1.1million). If you were offered almost twice what you make to take another job would you do it?

Posted by: unk on Dec 5, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Let's see, what was that quote from coach Sonny Randle? "I wish I'd never left ECU." I'd think about it Skip. Where is Bill Lewis now? Ed Emory? Mike McGee? Pat Dye? Or maybe you would like to go somewhere and coach under one of your assistants like Steve Logan. Think Hard Skip! Money isn't everything. Remember: "The love of money is the root of all evil."

Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 02:25 PM
After reading some articles from the SU website it looks like Holtz is there number 1 guy but they are only going to pay him 2 Mil a year and that is not much more than we pay him. I hope he does not go, he still has work he has to do here. Somebody else said the deal is pretty much done, there will be a press release on Monday with the final word I do believe.

Posted by: Jack Location: Greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 02:06 PM
No one id going to stay at ECU very long, all this is a stepping stone for another job. ECU will never have a coach to stay very long if they are succesful. The dump Conference USA is a joke. Who wants to play for a Conference USA Championship every year. No one for long!! We will just make another hire and pay them more money, so they can leave as well, never ending story! We love our school, but we get no respect from anyone, just get stepped on!!

Posted by: Veronica Location: Greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Brenda, what do you mean this is a big loss? Can you not read? He just said that they were rumors and he is NOT going anywhere right now. WHAT are you talking about??

Posted by: Brenda Location: NC on Dec 5, 2008 at 01:08 PM
I think this is a big loss for ECU and I and everyone else wishes he would stay. The football program is been good since he came here. But if he decides to leave, best wishes to him and his family.

Posted by: Truth Location: Greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Hoffman Hot Dogs and salt potatos kill that garbage called Parkers. By the way, the Orangemen, yes I said Orangemen not Orange, play in a dome. Bottom line is the Cuse and Greenville are both dumps. Skip needs to choose wheather he wants to lose 90 lbs sweating in the summers or add 90 lbs of clothing staying warm and fighting the lake effect snow in the winter.

Posted by: Amy Location: Winston-Salem on Dec 5, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Blogs are on fire about Skips offer from Syracuse and the announcement that will be made Monday. Just blogs, I know but it is scary before a championship game

Posted by: Me Location: Greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Skip....PLEASE DON'T GO! We love you here, you have established such a great reputation for yourself as well as our football program. But in all honesty, you have to do what's best for you, your family, and especially your career. BUT STAY HERE!!!

Posted by: Big T Location: greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Then Ben why don't you stop at one of the High dollar eateries and pick yourself up some watercress salad and head out of town yourself. Take dave with you while your'e at it.

Posted by: Ben Location: Greenville on Dec 5, 2008 at 01:33 AM
Tea, Parkers, and mild winters are enough for anybody to leave this God foresaken town.

Posted by: Steve Location: Syracuse,NY on Dec 4, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Weather is not a factor,they play in a dome stadium in Syracuse.They have a rich tradition as well and he will also be paid around $2 million a year in Syracuse.Head north Skip!!

Posted by: Alex Location: Vanceboro on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Why would Skip give up country ham, collards, sweet tea, Parkers Barbeque, the North Carolina Coast, Mild NC winters & the best fan base anywhere?

Posted by: chris Location: greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:33 PM
If he leaves we need to throw what we can at Tommy Tuberville or Phil Fulmer! Proven winners on the biggest college football stage! We would have instant credibility on the national scene. Go Pirates!

Posted by: Walter Location: Jacksonville on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:28 PM
I hope the football players were able to play some of these games. I sure Skip was getting tired of playing both ways. Most coaches are good coaches, it is the caliber of players that is important.

Posted by: Barry Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:25 PM
I think Skip is leaving, although I would be delighted if not. If so, he is leaving ECU in far better shape than when he came. ECU will be fine. We'll have a strong team next year. ECU has a great fan base and potential coaches realize ECU is a good gig. Recruiting will take a little while to re-establish ties, but will rebound too. Off topic- Dave: did you graduate from PSU- yes or no?

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 06:47 PM
COLD WEATHER? Have you guys forgotten that Skip was the assistant coach at Notre Dame and the head coach at Connecticut? Those places are just as cold as New York.

Posted by: Frank Location: Syracuse,NY on Dec 4, 2008 at 04:43 PM
You all are right in some way when you say it is cold here.Wake up though,it is not a factor,don't you know they play football here in a DOME!!!!!! You will never have to worry about weather being a factor for a home game here and we also are one of the few stadiums that serve beer here.At the looks of Skip's beer gut,that may entice him to come other than the 2 million a year salary they are offering.Count on him coming here and bringing back the winning tradition we are used to.The weather here in the winter is horable,however the rest of the seasons make up for it and it is a nice community to be part of.Brush up on SU alumni and you will be suprised on the celebrities that have attended here,Dick Clark,VP Joe Biden,Bob Costas,Mike Terico,Tom Brokow,Marvin Harrison,D-McNabb,Jim Brown,Ernie Davis,Floyd Little and many others.Go Orange!!!!!!

Posted by: ENCPir8 Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 03:02 PM
"ECU would fit in very quickly competitvely and you could get better recruits." Marc, I HOPE that ECU, UCF, and Buffalo would be brought into the Big East! It just makes sense...Geographicly, Competion-wise, and ECU already has history with several current & former Big East teams. Add Memphis to the mix & the BE could have a conf. championship game!

Posted by: M Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 02:56 PM
LOL@ someone saying we are going to take Kentucky or Arkansas' spot in the SEC in 2013!! hahahahaha

Posted by: Sean Location: Cuse on Dec 4, 2008 at 02:53 PM
BCS vs Non BCS....it's a no brainer. Newsflash Southerners- It's cold in Greenville in the winter too. ECU has a great team and great coach. They will be fine if Skip stays or goes. Now if your administration would only learn to honor their game comittments (ECU backed out of a game they owe Syracuse in Syracuse) then maybe the Big East would take you in. Well that and you need to seriously upgrade your horrible basketball team.

Posted by: Sam Location: WIlliamston on Dec 4, 2008 at 02:03 PM
I am totally with you on that Jaimie and you to Chris. If Skip stays until 2013 and ECU wins consistant conference championships, then East Carolina I highly expect will end up in the SEC taking over either Kentucky or Arkansas. Southern Miss and Central Florida have also been looked at, but thanks to schools like Florida, Ole Miss, and Miss. St., that could help out ECU big time. But right now Syracuse, leave us alone and go somewhere else to look for a coach. Plus, why would Skip want to coach up north for some joke school that plays in a small dome that they share with just about all other athletic programs? Just think about it.

Posted by: Marc Location: Atlanta, GA on Dec 4, 2008 at 01:41 PM
ECU, Buffalo and Central Florida need to come on over to the Big East. Very tough conference, tradition, and bigger $ would solve many of your complaints. ECU would fit in very quickly competitvely and you could get better recruits. If you can't beat 'em.....

Posted by: Wake up! Location: Grimesland on Dec 4, 2008 at 01:39 PM
No serious college coach would stay here...Conf-USA is a joke, we should have held out for a Big East spot, or somewhere else. Or stayed independent. If you want to be known as a college football coaching great, you go to a Michigan, Alabama, Florida, USC, etc.(even Notre Dame) if the option ever comes up. I hate this as much as any of you, but facts are facts. He'll get better pay, better recruiting, more perks, and a much larger fan base to impress, and a better shot at making history. Face it, even if he has winning seasons here for the next twenty years, he won't have a shot at a national title. We are not a big program, no matter what hype you're eating. I am an ECU alum and a pirate fan, but we are not a big time sports program and probably never will be.

Posted by: Jaimie Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 01:02 PM
I love Skip Holtz!!! And why wouldn't you want to be here at ECU. We have the best atmosphere of anyone in the state!! But if he does leave us hopefully its not before we can get into a better conference!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Skip has it way too good here at ECU. He makes $565,000 a year and that doesn't include the incentives which then bump him up to $1.2 million. Plus all the advertising that he does only increases his salary. I'm sorry, but that's way too much money for a college football coach. I need the Football for Dummies so I can learn how to teach this game and make some money myself!!!

Posted by: MWA Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:57 AM
jackjack, just what other conference could we have gotten into? Go or stay he should keep one thing in mind, only one coach has left ECU and had any success, Pat Dye.

Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I hope Skip stays until 2013. That is when the next conference alignment happens and hopefully ECU will get out of C-USA, we just need to win the Conference championship every year until than. GO PIRATES!!!

Posted by: jackjack Location: greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Unfortunately, the fact that we're in this pitiful conference the short sighted Mike Hamrick got us into, means we'll never be able to keep a coach for an extended stay. I hope Skip stays, but no matter what, he will eventually move on to a bigger school with a BCS shot. As will the next one and the next one. Mike Hamrick did more to hurt ECU than anyone could have ever dreamed.

Posted by: DS Location: Gville on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Skip will take the AUBURN job.

Posted by: Barry Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:27 AM
here: Although I would like to be pleasantly surprised otherwise, I think that you are likely & unfortunately correct. As with most things in life, follow the money. ECU will then hire another coach utilizing this same principle- we will offer a better job and more money to a coach from another school. As the world turns...

Posted by: here Location: here on Dec 4, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Oh yeah, and Syracuse is in a BCS conference so if Skip did stay here in this miserable Conference USA he would be holding his own career back. If he has an opportunity to go to Syracuse he can play in the big time BCS bowel game. Thats where the money is and the better career choice. Don't get me wrong I am a PIRATE fan but it is just a better job than ECU. Sorry to say it. If I or any one of us got offered a better job we would take it right?

Posted by: here Location: here on Dec 4, 2008 at 10:34 AM
O.K. Here it comes people. Skip will leave for the money!!! Some folks say "Oh, it is cold up there." The money will keep him warm. Syracuse is in a better conference has alot more football history than ECU, with this come more prestige and most of you are right when you say they have bigger pockets. And let me remind you what makes the world go round people in case for some reason you forgot, MONEY. It happens every year in college sports, pro sports and the corporate business world. People get bought everyday with the promise of more money. Sorry to be such a downer but the older I get the more junk I see happen in this world.

Posted by: betty Location: cortland on Dec 4, 2008 at 10:27 AM
It's COLD up here. Why in the world would a great coach want to go to Syracuse? Get real. He won't leave ECU. Go ECU.

Posted by: Jon Location: Choco on Dec 4, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Syracuse, while a bigger name, stinks, is in a cold weather city, and probably won't recruit as well as we do. It does have deeper pockets, I would imagine, and a bigger alumni base. I personally doubt he leaves us for Syracuse, but I guarantee if a bigger program, like a big ten school or SEC school came a calling, he would be GONE. Don't kid yourself into thinking otherwise.

Posted by: The Pirate Lady Location: Grimesland on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:39 AM
If he leaves, he leaves, if he doesn't, then great. I'd hate to see him go, but there's nothing we can do if he decides to. This is nothing new; these rumors have been swirling since practically the first year he started here and they'll probably continue until such time that he does decide to leave. Everyone just wants to be the one to say that they predicted it way back when. How about we focus on the game this Saturday and the upcoming bowl game wherever it will be? Then worry about everything else.

Posted by: T Location: Washington on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:26 AM
XXX..Dude, you are wasting your time with Dave. He posted approx. 1-2 weeks ago that he could not wait to leave H-Ville. I see he still has not left. Probably never will. That being said, PLEASE STAY SKIPPY. He has started something really good, and ECU is going to be tougher as each season goes by.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Williamston on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:31 AM
You guys are a bunch of pessimist's. If the guy says he isn't looking for a new job, then why can't you believe he isn't looking for a new job? They guy just signed a big extension and is getting paid a lot of money to be here...

Posted by: XXX Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Dave, Don't you EVER have anything positive to say. Yea its your right to post about ECU but there is a moral resposibility called 'consideration for others'. There is a name for people like you but I will be considerate of you and not say it. Do yourself a favor; go out and do something positive for someone else. Maybe the good feeling you'll get will rub off on you and let you enjoy your life instead of seemingly wanting to dull everyone else's. Just out of curiousity, did you flunk out or get busted by campus cops?

Posted by: Dave Location: Winterville on Dec 4, 2008 at 01:39 AM
You can learn more from what a coach doesn't say than what he does in these situations. Holtz could put this to bed by saying "I don't want the Syracuse job or any other job. I WILL be the head coach at ECU next year. Next question." But he doesn't say that does he? Goodbye Skip!

Posted by: Mike Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 01:05 AM
They just proves that everything these guys say is pure smoke and mirrors. They are slaves to the BCS and care nothing for the players or people they leave in their wake.

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Dec 4, 2008 at 12:10 AM
See ya Skip! Now go to a REAL program where you can make it to a BCS Bowl!

Posted by: Jimbo Location: NC on Dec 3, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Yep....he's gone. Too bad too. I think he could have done big things at ECU. I hope we can find someone to stay a while and do what Beamer did at VA Tech. They were at the same level as ECU 20 years ago.

Posted by: Bill Location: Greenville on Dec 3, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Doesn't have an "agent". Whatever. Doesn't mean somebody else isn't doing the talking with Syracuse like maybe Papa Lou! Thanks for the 4 years Coach. Good luck in the Big Least!