ASU associate head coach and defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce will reportedly resign on Wednesday, first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Pierce is the fifth coach to resign or be fired this offseason as the NCAA continues to investigate potential recruiting violations within the program.
Thamel reports Pierce will pursue coaching opportunities in the NFL. In 2019, Pierce was targeted by the Kansas City Chiefs as a candidate for their linebackers coach position. That same position is currently available.
Last week, wide receivers coach Prentice Gill and defensive backs coach Chris Hawkins were fired with cause and tight ends coach Adam Breneman resigned. All three coaches missed the entire season while on administrative leave.
Shortly following that announcement, offensive coordinator Zak Hill resigned with Pierce doing the same just days later.
Not long ago, Pierce, who helped lead the charge in recruiting, was the perceived coach in waiting when Herm Edwards would retire.
The Sun Devils have felt the brunt of this uncertainty in their recruiting class, a typical strength of the Edwards staff. This class is ranked 104th in the nation and last in the Pac-12 on late signing day.
sports360az
