After nearly five years at Northern Illinois, Jeff Compher was introduced as East Carolina's new athletic director Wednesday afternoon in Greenville, N.C.

According to the Associated Press, Compher agreed to a five-year contract worth $415,000 annually plus performance bonuses. He will begin his duties at East Carolina on May 1. NIU has not yet announced an interim athletic director. Compher made $284,000 annually at NIU.

"I would like to thank the search committee, the members of the Board of Trustees, and especially Chancellor (Steve) Ballard for this outstanding opportunity to lead the ECU Athletics Department," Compher said in an ECU news release. "North Carolina has always been home for our family and the city of Greenville holds a special place in our hearts. We look forward to getting to know the student-athletes, coaches and staff as well as the many fans and supporters of ECU athletics."