East Carolina Announces Extension for AD Jon Gilbert

The ECU Board of Trustees has approved a three-year contract extension for Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert, securing him through December of 2029. The move comes as Gilbert enters his eighth year in Greenville after originally being hired in December of 2018.

This marks the third extension Gilbert has received during his tenure. He previously signed a five-year deal in February of 2022 that was set to run through the end of 2026. With that contract approaching its final stretch, university leadership opted to act early and ensure continuity within the department.

Under the new agreement, Gilbert will earn an annual salary of $625,000.

University officials discussed the extension in closed session before formally approving it at the conclusion of Friday’s meeting.

Chancellor Philip Rogers publicly backed the decision in a university release.

“Since my arrival at ECU, I have worked closely with Jon and have consistently seen his unwavering dedication to this university, our athletics program, and — most importantly — our student-athletes,” Rogers said. “His commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom guides every decision he makes. Jon is widely respected across the national collegiate athletics landscape and within the American Conference as a thoughtful, influential athletics executive who consistently leads with integrity. I am grateful for his leadership and his continued commitment to ECU.”

Gilbert’s tenure has coincided with a period of stabilization and restructuring within the athletics department. Since taking over, he has overseen multiple high-profile coaching hires and guided the Pirates through conference realignment shifts, NIL changes, and the ever-evolving college athletics landscape.

Most recently, ECU also approved a new four-year contract for football head coach Blake Harrell following a 9-4 season that included a second consecutive Military Bowl victory over an ACC opponent. Harrell holds a 14-5 record across his first season and a half leading the program after initially stepping in as interim head coach before earning the job full-time.

Gilbert has also been responsible for hiring former football coach Mike Houston, current men’s basketball coach Michael Schwartz, and women’s basketball coach Kim McNeill.

With the extension finalized, ECU’s leadership structure remains intact as the Pirates continue navigating a rapidly changing era in college athletics.