Antonio Pierce has witnessed two unique trajectories in his life. The first one involved his playing career as an undrafted linebacker out of Arizona, but eventually earning a 2006 Pro Bowl appearance and winning a Super Bowl. Now, his latest trek involves his coaching journey — which also had some humble beginnings before leading the Las Vegas Raiders.
Antonio Pierce Coached California Prep Powerhouse
Pierce has emerged as a rare case of going from high school to the NFL. His first taste of head coaching came at the prep level — and it wasn’t just any high school.
Pierce got his start at a place known for its deep history of producing future NFL talent and challenging for section and state titles: Long Beach Poly.
His first team went 11-2 and breezed through their league with a 6-0 mark. His first Jackrabbits team even ranked 43rd nationally by MaxPreps.
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In his four seasons with Long Beach Poly, Pierce produced two more unbeaten league campaigns while also taking the Jackrabbits to the playoffs in three of four seasons.
He even went on to add to the growing NFL pipeline LBP has had by coaching future New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones. Wide receiver Zion Bowens of the Washington Commanders is another past player under Pierce who thrived.
Pierce Coached in Another Desert Community
Pierce has only had three coaching stops, with his third being the Raiders. Before joining the Silver and Black, he had a brief stop in another desert community — Tempe, Arizona.
Pierce took the leap to college football, and with an old rival, by accepting the linebackers coach/recruiting coordinator position at Arizona State. He joined the staff being put together by then ASU head coach Herman Edwards in his return to coaching after a decade away.
Pierce served on the Sun Devils staff from 2018 to 2021 and eventually moved up to a co-defensive coordinator role. But as recruiting coordinator, he helped secure the commitment of prized four-star QB prospect Jayden Daniels before his transfer to LSU. He also helped lure in junior college star Brandon Aiyuk before snatching passes for the San Francisco 49ers.
Pierce, however, ended up needing to resign from his position at ASU after being involved in the subject of recruiting violations. Arizona State ended up needing to clean house, including firing Edwards after five seasons.
Following the ASU fallout, Pierce latched on with the Raiders in 2022 as part of Josh McDaniels’ staff. Now that McDaniels is out, Pierce is making his attempt at galvanizing the Silver and Black.
In just 10 seasons, Pierce has gone from high school football head coach to now leading an NFL franchise.
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