Mack McCarthy was given one year as interim head coach after the departure of Ricky Stokes.  Mack was the only coach from that staff to return to something that appeared even worse than a sinking ship.  But there Mack was, bucket in hand and whistle around his neck demanding that his Pirates not let the ship sink.

It would have been all too easy to jump ship after losing 9 of 10 and enduring several 30+ point losses.  It would have been easy to lighten up on the players to make for easier, stress-free practices.  But Coach Mack wouldn't allow it.  It wasn't easy but he demanded even more from his team.  They responded by whipping SMU then shocking Houston, a team that seemed poised to make the Big Dance as an at-large. 

The players want their coach back.  Guard Sam Hinnant will be a senior next season.  He doesn't want to have to play for a 3rd different coach in 4 years.  "I'll be a senior next year.  I don't want to see another coach in here.  Mack is like my big brother.  I hope he gets a contract."

That says a lot because Coach Mack is a tough coach.  He can rival Bob Knight in the barking department when a player isn't performing.  No player has had to hear Mack's bark quite like point guard Darrell Jenkins this season.  He's a better player for it and he realizes it.  "Coach Mack is a tough coach.  He's demanding.  In my opinion, he can get it done here.  We've already done some amazing things here."  Darrell went on to say what ECU needs is stability. 

Mack deserves a three year contract offer from East Carolina.  Not another one year "trial" offer that has been rumored of late.  That would be an insult and I hope he'd turn it down.  That trial year has already passed and Coach Mack delivered a ship to port.  The ship may be somewhat tattered but considering the storm Coach Mack sailed through, I'd say the Pirates were lucky to have had him at the helm.