Pirates' coach focuses on Tulsa

Holtz tries to avoid frenzy of rumors

GREENVILLE -- Coaching searches are under way in college football, and Skip Holtz name is popping up again.

Holtz recently was mentioned in connection with the opening at Syracuse. Asked about that Monday, Holtz said his concentration is on preparing East Carolina for Saturday's Conference USA championship game against Tulsa at Tulsa, Okla.

"I've got more than I can say grace over just trying to get ready for Tulsa's offense,'' he said. "I talked with [athletic director Terry Holland] and said, 'Let's stay focused on what we've got to do this season.' "

Holland said Friday he hadn't been contacted by another school asking permission to talk with ECU's coach.

In September, Holtz received a contract extension through 2013 that could pay him $9.5 million, including incentives. That doesn't mean other schools will stay away. He was on West Virginia's candidate list last year.

"I've said from the beginning, you don't know what the future holds, you never say never,'' Holtz said. "[But] I'm not trying to get released. It would have to be one special situation to get me out of here because I'm really happy here. I enjoy the leadership we have with Chancellor [Steve] Ballard and Terry Holland, the players, the fan base, and seeing how far we've come."

Under Holtz, ECU has come a long way in four years. After taking over a program in 2005 that was 3-20 the previous two years, Holtz has produced three straight bowl teams and a division title.

EYE POPPING: About Tulsa's offensive statistics, Holtz said, "they're like video game numbers, almost unrealistic."

The Golden Hurricane is averaging 49.3 points and 578.9 yards and is converting 59 percent of its third-down plays, which Holtz said is "unheard of."

GOOD NEWS: Linebackers Pierre Bell, Scotty Robinson and Cliff Perryman and defensive back Emanuel Davis are expected to play after missing Friday's 53-21 romp over UTEP.