The University of Mount Olive’s Head Women’s Flag Football Coach, Eric James, has officially resigned, according to a statement he shared earlier today on Instagram.

In the post, which was obtained by The North Carolina Beat, James wrote that after “much reflection,” he made the “difficult decision to step down as the Head Flag Football Coach at The University of Mount Olive.”

A parent of one of the players who is 17-years-old told The North Carolina Beat that the university is holding a meeting Wednesday night (tonight) amid disturbing allegations that James allegedly touched players inappropriately and tried to have sex with them.

In a group chat obtained by The North Carolina Beat, James confirmed his resignation, writing:

“I have officially resigned today. Wish you guys the best of luck this season.”

One player responded sharply:

“James, it’s crazy how you took advantage of us and not have the heart to apologize. You claim you’re a Christian man — act on it.”

Following The North Carolina Beat’s request for comment, Joey Higginbotham, the Director of Athletics and Coordinator of the Trojan Club, provided the following official statement on behalf of the University of Mount Olive:

“The University of Mount Olive has received complaints regarding Women’s Flag Football Coach Eric James, and the University can confirm that Coach James is no longer employed at the University. UMO holds its employees to high standards and expects all faculty and staff to uphold the University’s covenant. A closed-door meeting with the involved parties will be held this evening to discuss next steps.

As this is a personnel matter, no further comment can be provided at this time. The University will begin an immediate search for a new women’s flag football coach.”

Who Is Eric James?

In January, The University of Mount Olive previously announced Eric James as the first-ever Head Women’s Flag Football Coach in program history, as the Trojans prepared to launch their 25th varsity sport in Spring 2026 under the Conference Carolinas banner.

Before joining Mount Olive, James served as Defensive Line and Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at Guilford College, where the Quakers ranked near the top of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) in several categories in 2024, including:

• Third-down conversion percentage (.343)

• Fumbles recovered (7)

• Passes intercepted (14)

• Red zone defense (.756)

He was instrumental in implementing training programs and helping develop defensive strategies with the coaching staff.

James, a native of Rose Hill, North Carolina, attended Wallace-Rose Hill High School, where he won three state championships as a defensive lineman.

His coaching background includes stints at Jones Senior High School, where he served as Defensive Coordinator and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, and as Head Coach for the Track & Field and JV Boys Basketball teams.