East Carolina’s Mike Houston became the first FBS head coach to be fired this season on Sunday. Houston had found major success at James Madison, posting a 37-6 record and winning a national title at the FCS level. He guided the Pirates to two bowl appearances in his first four seasons but struggled with a 2-10 record last year. This season took a downturn after ECU suffered a 31-point loss to in-state rival Charlotte, followed by a 45-28 defeat to Army, marking their fourth loss in five games and sealing Houston’s fate.

According to industry sources, the ECU head coaching vacancy is considered appealing. Houston’s $2.4 million salary is substantial for a non-Power 4 program, and there are several strong candidates.

Western Kentucky head coach Tyson Helton is a top option, having compiled a 45-28 record and going 31-11 in Conference USA over six seasons. The Hilltoppers are 5-2 this year, with losses to Alabama and Boston College, and a notable win over Toledo. Helton, 47, was a finalist for the Purdue job a few years ago and is expected to be in the mix for ECU.

Another potential candidate is Louisiana-Monroe head coach Bryant Vincent, who is building a case for national coach of the year in his debut season. After a successful stint at UAB, Vincent revitalized New Mexico’s offense as its offensive coordinator, and this year has led Monroe to a 5-1 record and an undefeated Sun Belt run—their best start in nearly 40 years.

Former UAB coach Bill Clark, 56, who won the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award in 2018, is also a possibility. After leading the Blazers to a 49-26 overall record and overcoming significant program challenges, Clark is reportedly in good health and ready to return to coaching.