Arizona State Defensive Coordinator Pierce Steps Down
Feb 2, 2022, 4:55 PM

An Arizona State Sun Devils helmet celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month during the college football game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Arizona State Sun Devils on October 8, 2021 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State associate head coach and defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce has resigned to pursue NFL opportunities, becoming the fifth assistant to depart the program in the wake of an NCAA investigation into possible recruiting violations.
Arizona State confirmed Pierce’s resignation on Wednesday, less than a week after offensive coordinator Zak Hill stepped down.
Defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce no longer is an Arizona State employee, per university spokesman.
He is the fifth ASU coach to depart in wake of the NCAA investigation on recruiting.
— Doug Haller (@DougHaller) February 2, 2022
The Sun Devils hired veteran NFL and college assistant coach Glenn Thomas to replace Hill.
Pierce, who spearheaded recruiting under coach Herm Edwards, was restricted from recruiting on the road prior to the early signing period in December.