Defensive coordinator Greg Hudson of East Carolina repeated on Monday that although he is carefully weighing his options, he plans to stay with the Pirates unless a "great opportunity" presents itself.
Hudson, who joined Coach Skip Holtz's staff in 2005, has been reported to be a candidate for a job as an assistant at Florida State, under new coach Jimbo Fisher. The News-Press in Fort Myers, Fla., reported that Fisher is expected to meet this week with candidates for linebackers coach.
Asked Monday if he had any visits lined up over the holidays that he could talk about, Hudson said: "No, nothing I can talk about. I'm going to be here in Pitt County. I've got a lot of Christmas shopping to do.
"I'm a Pirate right now, and I plan on being a Pirate unless something's going to be a great opportunity for me and my kids. When you've got four kids, now, you better make the right decision."
Although Hudson's players don't want him to go, they said they understand the process.
"If he does leave, I wish him all the best of luck," defensive end C.J. Wilson said. "I know he'll do a great job wherever he goes because he's a good coach."
Linebacker Nick Johnson took it a step further.
"He's like a brother," Johnson said. "He's the best coach I've ever had.
"We want to see him do the best he can, so we're happy for him with whatever happens."
Hudson, 42, directed a defense that finished second in Conference USA in total defense and scoring defense. In the C-USA title game Dec. 5, ECU (9-4) kept No. 18 Houston nearly 13 points below its NCAA-leading scoring average in a 38-32 win.
ECU, which will play Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl on Jan. 2 in Memphis, Tenn., has held opponents to averages of 22.1 points and 385.6 total yards this season.
Wilson said that Hudson deserves credit for making defense the Pirates' calling card in recent years.
"People think it's what the players are doing, but it's more what he's doing off the field -- scouting and picking the right plays to put us in a position to make plays," said Wilson, a two-time All-C-USA selection. "So I thank him for helping me make plays."
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