A Fresh Coaching Landscape
Head Coach Cliff Godwin took the opportunity to spotlight the contributions of two alumni who have risen through the program’s ranks, announcing the promotions of Bryant Packard and Thomas Francisco to prominent offensive coaching positions.
Packard, once a standout player for the Pirates and later a professional with the Detroit Tigers, returns to Greenville as the Hitting Coach and Outfielders Coach. In his previous stint as Director of Player Development, he oversaw recruiting, scouting and player development, guiding ECU athletes to multiple conference honors in 2026.
Thomas Francisco, another former Pirate who was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, moves into the role of Assistant Hitting Coach and Catchers Coach. He previously served as Director of Baseball Operations and Catching Coach, where he led the development of ECU’s catchers and helped Walker Barron earn a spot on the Buster Posey Award Midseason Watch List.
Celebrating Recent Success
The Pirates captured both the American Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championships in 2026, a testament to the collective effort of players and staff. Under Packard’s guidance, several ECU players collected conference accolades, while Francisco’s work with the catching corps contributed to the team’s overall offensive stability.
With the new coaching structure in place, the program looks to build on its recent triumphs and maintain a competitive edge in the coming season. The front office expressed confidence that the expanded leadership roles will foster continued growth among the student‑athletes.