By By STEVE FRANKLIN, Sports Writer
GREENVILLE - Skip Holtz earned his biggest victory as East Carolina’s head football coach Saturday, leading the Pirates to a 27-24 upset win over Tulsa in the Fourth Annual Conference USA Championship Game.
Now it appears he’ll ride off into the sunset.
In a broadcast report on Sunday, the NFL Network’s Michael Bradley reported that Holtz will be named the new head coach at Syracuse University on Monday.
Holtz and Syracuse Athletic Director Darryl Gross are both expected to be in New York City on Monday for the College Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Holtz’s father Lou, and former Syracuse quarterback Don McPherson will both be enshrined.
Phone calls to both the East Carolina and Syracuse athletic departments were not immediately returned.
After Saturday’s C-USA Championship Game, Holtz said that he was happy in Greenville and that he wasn’t looking to leave East Carolina.
However, he also said that he wouldn’t rule out a position at another institution.
“I never say never, but at the same time, it would have to be a really special situation to get me out of here,” Holtz said. “I am not looking to leave. I will make that promise to you."
The Pirates (9-4), who won their first conference championship in 32 years on Saturday, are slated to take on a team from the SEC - likely Kentucky - in the Autozone Liberty Bowl on January 2.
It’s unclear whether Holtz will coach the team in the bowl game.
Holtz has posted a 29-21 record at East Carolina, and has led the Pirates to three consecutive bowl appearances.