Former ECU WR Jason Nichols catches a pass against N.C. State in Charlotte in 1996.

East Carolina has officially announced the hiring of Jason Nichols as its new running backs coach, as first reported by Hoist The Colours.

The former record-breaking Pirate wide receiver spent last season as Western Carolina's running backs coach after coaching wide receivers at Louisiana-Monroe under head coach Todd Berry from 2010-15.

"Not only does Jason bring a wealth of coaching experience to East Carolina, he knows first-hand of the special bond that exists between Pirate Nation and our program," head coach Scottie Montgomery said in a statement. "To have the opportunity to impact young men on the same campus and playing field where he earned his degree and competed is immeasurable. From a recruiting standpoint, I'm not sure if there's anyone else who could tell a more compelling story of what it means to be a Pirate."

Nichols, who was recognized as the country's best 'mid-major recruiter' in 2013 by Rivals.com, has also coached at Kent State, Toledo and Appalachian State.

He played with East Carolina from 1994-97, hauling in 152 career catches, a record at the time. Nichols went on to play in the CFL and Arena Football League before returning to ECU as a grad assistant in 2001.