GREENVILLE, N.C. – Bruce Bivens, a former linebacker for East Carolina, has returned to his alma mater as the new director of football player development, as announced by head coach Blake Harrell on Friday. Along with Bivens’ appointment, Harrell also named Bryan Butterworth (defense) and Ryan McManus (offense) as senior analysts.
In his new position, Bivens will oversee the program’s life skills, academic support, and mentoring initiatives, while also leading the Pirates’ community outreach efforts. Bivens, a native of Houston, Texas, returns to ECU after a stint at ECU Health (2023) as an experience coordinator in guest relations.
He also worked as a behavioral support specialist for Pitt County Schools (2022-23) and as a regional sales and installation representative at Seals Gasket, LLC (2021-22).
Bivens had a standout career at ECU, starting for four years and earning five letters. Over 55 games, he made 31 starts and accumulated 236 tackles (102 solo), 5.0 sacks, and 19.0 tackles for loss. As a senior, Bivens earned Second-Team All-American Athletic Conference honors after leading the team with 57 tackles and ranking 36th in The American. He also recorded 2.0 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, and contributed to the Pirates’ 7-5 season and Military Bowl appearance.
Bivens, a two-time ECU Honor Roll student, graduated in the spring of 2021 with a degree in interpersonal communications.
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