In a much-anticipated return to the baseball diamond, David Pierce has been hired as the new head baseball coach at Rice University. Announced on March 17, 2025, this move comes just days after the dismissal of José Cruz Jr., who led the Owls to a disappointing record of 63 wins against 126 losses during his tenure.
Pierce's decision to take the helm at Rice reflects his strong belief in the program's potential. "I did not want to wait until the end of the season because I believed that we have great potential and a lot of baseball in front of us this year. I can't wait to get on the field with these players and coaches and prepare for the start of conference play on Friday," he expressed in a news release.
The timing of this hiring is critical. Rice's baseball team is set to travel to face Florida Atlantic for a three-game series, and Pierce's first outing in uniform will be the much-anticipated Friday opener. The urgency implied in his comments resonates with both the team and the school, as they look to revitalize the program.
Pierce is no stranger to Rice University, having been a key assistant under the legendary Wayne Graham from 2003 to 2011, where he contributed to a national championship victory in 2003. His familiarity with the program's culture is expected to aid his transition back to coaching at Rice.
Between 2012 and 2016, Pierce led both Sam Houston State and Tulane, before taking the reins at the University of Texas, where he had an impressive eight-year run. Under his leadership, the Longhorns achieved a record of 297 wins and 162 losses, clinching three conference championships and making three appearances at the College World Series.
However, his tenure at Texas came to an unexpected end when he was fired following the 2024 season, despite having two years remaining on his contract. The Longhorns finished that season with a record of 36 wins and 24 losses, and the school subsequently brought in Jim Schlossnagle to replace him.
Before returning to River Oaks for this recent appointment, Pierce had been serving as an assistant to the head coach at Texas State, a stint that unfortunately meant he would not face his former team in the upcoming games during the season due to scheduling.
The rivalry between Rice and Texas is notable, with 295 games played historically between the two programs. While they've not crossed paths in recent years, the prospect of Pierce’s return to coaching at Rice may reignite this competitive spirit.
As he anticipates competitive play ahead, it’s clear that Pierce aims to rekindle not just his career, but also focus on elevating the Rice baseball program back to prominence. His first test will be steering his new team during the upcoming series against Florida Atlantic, and he is eager to dive right in.
With his extensive background and clear passion for coaching, expectations are high for what lies ahead at Rice. Fans and players alike eagerly await the new chapter under Coach Pierce, hoping for a resurgence that aligns with his proven track record.
