Antonio Pierce spent four seasons as the head coach at Long Beach Poly High School before joining former ESPN colleague Herm Edwards’ staff at ASU.
At one time Antonio Pierce was being groomed to be Herm Edwards’ successor heading the Arizona State football program. The Sun Devils’ head coach said as much on many occasions. Pierce was the first person Edwards brought in when he was hired as head coach in December of 2017.
But Pierce is headed out, expected to pursue NFL opportunities. An ASU spokesman confirmed on Wednesday that Pierce “is no longer employed by the university.”
Pierce, 43, previously has turned down other professional football offers to continue working under Edwards. He had lot of labels in his tenure in Tempe, including linebackers coach, associate head coach, recruiting coordinator and defensive coordinator.
He had been serving as defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator the last two years.
Last season the Sun Devils (8-5, 6-3) led the Pac-12 in scoring defense (20.8 ppg) and total defense (326.3 ypg). They were second in interceptions (16), second in sacks (27), third in rushing defense (131.5 ypg), third in passing defense (194.8 ypg)
On the national level the Sun Devils ranked 13th in total defense and 22nd among 130 teams in scoring defense.
The timing appears to be right for Pierce to make the move back to the NFL.
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