Texas has dismissed head baseball coach David Pierce, per a report from Kirk Bohls on Monday morning. Pierce just wrapped up his 8th season at the helm and will finish with a record of 297-162.
The Longhorns made it to the postseason in 6 of 7 completed seasons (the 2020 season was cut short) and qualified for the College World Series in 2018, 2021, and 2022, along with winning the Big 12 regular season title in three different seasons. Texas failed to make it past the super regional round in 2023 and fell in the College Station regional several weeks ago to end the 2024 campaign.
Pierce took over for the legendary Augie Garrido during the summer of 2016 following successful stints at Sam Houston State and Tulane. The next coach will be only the 7th coach the Longhorns have had since 1911.
UPDATE: Statements from David Pierce and Texas Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Athletics Director
David Pierce:
“CDC and I met after the season and we mutually agreed that the best thing for the program was to go in a different direction. It’s been an honor and privilege to lead this program for the last eight years. It certainly is a time I will always cherish as a coach, and I am so appreciative of The University of Texas for the opportunity. Thank you to Longhorn Nation, the fan base, our support staff, student assistants and the media who covered us so well. I especially want to thank the coaches and our former and current players who helped us win a lot of games and represented our program in a first-class manner. Thank you all for your hard work, dedication and commitment to Texas Baseball. You will forever be in my heart, and I look forward to continuing to cheer you on in baseball and beyond.”
Chris Del Conte, UT Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Athletics Director:
“After the season, Coach Pierce and I had some time to visit about the year, the future of our program, where we are, and where we’re headed. It was a difficult decision for us both, but we have mutually agreed that we should make a change. I am so grateful for Coach Pierce and all he has poured into our baseball program for the past eight years. He is an incredible person, and I’ve truly enjoyed my time working with him. I appreciate the passion, pride and steadfast commitment he had for coaching and working with our student-athletes and am thankful for all he’s done for Texas Athletics and our entire university community as our head coach. I wish Coach Pierce and his family the best in the future.”