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JMU head football coach Mike Houston reportedly being pursued by Charlotte and East Carolina

Posted at 3:27 PM, Nov 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-29 13:35:53-05

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Houston is a hot commodity.

JMU head coach Mike Houston. (Photo: JMU Athletics)

In leading James Madison to their third straight FCS Playoff appearance, head coach Mike Houston has become a hot commodity in the coaching ranks.

According to Yahoo’s Bruce Feldman, Charlotte is seeking the services of Houston as their next head coach. Reports from Yahoo Sports Wednesday pointed to Houston and Charlotte being a done deal.

November 29th update: Houston responded to reports of him accepting the Charlotte job after practice on Wednesday evening. While he did not deny he would take the job, he did say that he had a conversation with Charlotte, and that his focus was on James Madison a the moment.

“The facts are, I’ve been offered a job. That’s it,” said Houston.

“It is two and a half hours from my parents, my family. There’s several reasons why that’s important to me. At the same time, this group here is important to me also. What I want is for that group right there to have the opportunity to compete on Saturday at a very high level, with all of us being together.”

East Carolina is now reportedly in the mix for Houston’s services, according to Yahoo Sports.

In three seasons at the helm, Houston has led the Dukes to a 37-and-5 record, and two national championship appearances, with a win in 2016.

Charlotte, a Conference USA member, has only played football since 2013. The 49ers fired Brad Lambert, the only coach in program history earlier in November.

East Carolina, an American Athletic Conference member, has gone 6-and-18 in its last two seasons.

Prior to James Madison, Houston coached a year at The Citadel, and Division II Lenoir-Rhyne.