East Carolina University announced Thursday that Julian Griffin has been named the Pirates’ new running backs coach, head coach Blake Harrell confirmed. Griffin arrives in Greenville following a standout season at Cal Berkeley, where his running backs amassed 1,405 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, led by All-ACC honorable mention Kenrick Raphael.
Griffin brings extensive experience to ECU, having spent five seasons at UTSA, helping the Roadrunners achieve a 46-20 record, two conference championships, and five consecutive bowl appearances. His running backs consistently posted impressive numbers, including over 2,500 rushing yards in a single season and multiple individual accolades, with players like Sincere McCormick earning All-America honors under his mentorship.
Before UTSA, Griffin served as an offensive quality control assistant at Arkansas and SMU, as well as running backs coach at Texas A&M-Kingsville and graduate assistant at his alma mater ULM. Griffin’s coaching has helped multiple players reach professional opportunities, including CFL tryouts and NFL signings.
A former wide receiver at ULM, Griffin holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and exercise fitness and a master’s in education from Texas A&M-Kingsville. He and his wife Jamie have a daughter, Parker.
Griffin’s addition is expected to bolster ECU’s backfield and provide immediate leadership as the Pirates look to strengthen their rushing attack heading into the 2026 season.
