Source: David Pierce to lead the Texas pitchers as Tulowitzki nears return to program
Needing to hire a pitching coach for the second straight offseason, Texas head coach David Pierce has decided to look in the mirror.
A source close to the program revealed to the American-Statesman on Monday that Pierce will assume the duties of the program's pitching coach during the 2024 season. It was reported two weeks ago that UT had parted ways with assistant coach Woody Williams after just one year.
Sean Allen had served as UT's pitching coach from 2020-22, and Phil Haig first held that title after Pierce got to Texas. The Longhorns have boasted a top-25 ERA during four of Pierce's seven seasons with UT. Texas had the nation's lowest ERA in 2021 and ranked 10th this past spring.
Since he arrived in Austin ahead of the 2017 season, Pierce has always taken a hands-on approach with the Texas pitchers. He was also Rice’s pitching coach from 2006-11. Additionally, Texas also has former Duke pitching coach Chris Gordon on its support staff as the program's coordinator of hitting and pitching development.
According to the same source, Troy Tulowitzki is also expected to return to Texas as its new director of player development. While Tulowitzki won’t be an on-field coach, the support staff role will allow him to be around the program.
Tulowitzki was UT’s volunteer coach from 2020-22. The Texas offense flourished during the three seasons the Longhorns got to work with Tulowitzki, who was a five-time all-star during a 13-year MLB career.
Tulowitzki left Texas after the 2022 season. He had been linked to the coaching searches at USC and Miami.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Pierce, Tulowitzki set to have new roles within Texas baseball program
