Here's the skinny on Yahoo Sports: East Carolina coach Thompson resigns November 17, 2004 RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA (TICKER) -- East Carolina football coach John Thompson on Wednesday announced his resignation effective at the end of the season. Thompson has guided East Carolina to a 3-18 record since taking over for Steve Logan in December, 2002. The Pirates, who play Memphis on Saturday before finishing up their season on November 27 against North Carolina State, are 2-7 this season, including a 2-5 record in Conference USA. "I want to thank the players, staff, families and the entire Pirate Nation for their support and kindness," Thompson said. "Greenville has been our home and the people here are great." Thompson had spent 22 years as an assistant coach before being hired to take over for Logan. The 1978 grad of Central Arkansas spent 19 seasons as a defensive coordinator at four Southeastern Conference schools: Florida, Alabama, Arkansas and LSU. He had just completed his first season at Florida when he was tabbed by East Carolina. The Pirates went 1-11 last season and lost their first four games this season. The offense ranks last in the conference in scoring and total offense and 10th in the 11-team league in total defense. East Carolina athletics director Terry Holland indicated a search to replace Thompson would begin immediately after the conclusion of the season. "After these two games are played, we will turn our attention to a search for a new coach," Holland. "Our first option will be to seek a coach with a successful record at the Division I level."