Rice University Welcomes David Pierce as New Head Baseball Coach

HOUSTON — Rice University announced Monday that David Pierce has been named the new head baseball coach, marking his return to the program where he previously served as an assistant from 2003 to 2011.

Pierce, a native of Houston, will take over immediately, set to lead the Owls in their upcoming American Athletic Conference game against Florida Atlantic on March 21 in Boca Raton, Florida. His appointment comes after the team’s recent struggles, which included a ten-game losing streak.

“We are excited to bring David Pierce back to South Main as the next head coach of Rice Baseball,” said Tommy McClelland, Rice’s Vice President and Director of Athletics. “Although it is unconventional to bring in a new head coach during the season, Coach Pierce was eager to start as soon as we reached an agreement.”

Prior to rejoining Rice, Pierce recorded a 494-271 overall record as a head coach during his tenure at Sam Houston State, Tulane, and Texas. He was most recently at the University of Texas, where he led the Longhorns to six NCAA tournament appearances and three College World Series berths. His firing from Texas in June 2024 followed a disappointing season.

Upon his return to Rice, Pierce expressed his excitement, saying, “Rice represents a very special place for my family and me, and I am truly honored to have this opportunity to return to Reckling Park as the head coach of the Owls. I owe a great deal of my success as a head coach to my time at Rice, and I firmly believe we have all the elements in place to add to the great tradition here.”

During his previous stint with the Owls, Pierce helped the team achieve notable successes, including winning the national championship in 2003 and qualifying for the NCAA tournament every season he was an assistant. The Owls made four College World Series appearances during that time.

Pierce credits his coaching success to his experiences at Rice and is focused on maximizing the current season’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,” he said. “I can’t wait to get on the field with these players and coaches and prepare for the start of conference play on Friday.”

In the wake of Pierce’s appointment, interim coach Parker Bangs will remain on staff, having provided stability during a tumultuous period for the team. Bangs took over the head coaching duties following the dismissal of José Cruz Jr., who was let go after an underwhelming start to the season.

A formal press conference to introduce Pierce to the media is scheduled for March 19. With their record currently at 4-16, the Owls are looking to turn their season around under Pierce’s leadership.