Arizona State promotes ex-Giant Antonio Pierce to sole defensive coordinator
Arizona State has promoted former New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce to sole defensive coordinator.
Pierce served as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach alongside Marvin Lewis last season, but will now take over as the full-time coordinator. Despite the shuffling, Lewis will remain on staff as special assistant to head coach Herm Edwards.
“I am looking forward to this new challenge and opportunity to be the defensive coordinator at Arizona State,” Pierce said in a statement, via ESPN. “I have learned so much from Coach Lewis and Coach Edwards during my time here and can’t wait to apply that knowledge in this new role. We are excited about the group that we have returning and can’t wait to continue to bring in talented Sun Devils.”
Pierce played nine seasons in the NFL, first with the Washington Redskins (2001-04) before signing with the Giants as a free agent in 2005. He was a Pro Bowler in 2006 and an integral piece of the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII championship team.
In 124 career games, Pierce recorded 691 tackles, nine sacks, 43 passes defensed and seven interceptions.
