Elizabeth City State Vikings head coach Marcus Hilliard has announced he will step down after three seasons.
Hilliard announced his intentions in a lengthy X statement in which he thanked Elizabeth City State’s faculty, students, and alumni.
“As I reflect on my time at ECSU, I remember being an 18-year-old freshman with little idea of what I wanted in life,” said Hilliard. The journey here has been filled with both trials and triumphs, each one steering me closer to the coaching world. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to lead young men both on and off the field. Although things didn’t always go as planned, I made it my mission to leave this place better than I found it–and I truly believe I have done that. You owe me nothing, and yet I am eternally thankful for everything I’ve experienced here.”
An Elizabeth City State alum, Hilliard began his coaching career with the Vikings in 2004. He served in various roles for 13 years, including as the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator.
During his first stint with ECSU, he helped lead the team to four CIAA championship appearances, including a Division II playoff appearance in 2006.
In 2018, he briefly left the Vikings, taking on the roles of Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach at Virginia Union for three seasons.
The former Viking returned to his alma mater after being hired as the team’s head coach in 2022.
In his three seasons as head coach, Hilliard led ECSU to an 8-22 overall record, including a 5-18 record in CIAA competition.
