(GREENVILLE) -- East Carolina has fired coach Ruffin McNeill after six seasons. Athletic director Jeff Compher announced the firing Friday, saying the decision was made "after deliberate evaluation" and that "our expectations are to compete for championships."

"We're not about excuses, we're about production, and I think that's really important," Compher said. "So as we move forward, we just need to understand that this is about being competitive, this is about moving towards championships regardless of some of the obstacles in your way, there has to be some progress to that effect."

The Pirates finished 5-7 this season, their first losing season since 2011. They finished in fifth place in the American Athletic Conference's East Division with a 3-5 record.