Why was David Pierce fired? Exploring potential reasons behind Texas baseball HC's dismissal
News came out on Monday morning that the University of Texas has decided to fire baseball coach David Pierce after eight seasons with the program.
The team was not able to live up to expectations throughout the season. Pierce had two years remaining on his current deal at $1.2 million annually. However, with the reported language in his contract, the school will owe him 70 percent of his remaining base salary, or $840,000 for each of the next two decisions.
Pierce provided a comment on the decision in the press release that was issued.
"[Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte] 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."
University of Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte also commented in the statement and said that the decision was ultimately a tough one.
"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." h/t Austin American-Statesman
So, what exactly caused this to happen? Let's take a closer look.
What reasons were there for David Pierce to be fired?
Underperforming
While 295-162 over the course of eight years does not seem like a firing-worthy record, the school seems keen on winning national championships right now. Getting close is no longer good enough for the program.
The school did not make the College World Series the last two seasons and was upset by Louisiana in the College Station 10-2.
Ready for a new leader
While it is different than a voice ringing dry as players are not staying too long, the voice between a coach and the athletic director can get tiring. While this is purely speculative, there could have been a budding of heads behind the scenes.
It might have got to the point that there was a reason for the change to be made a week before joining the Southeastern Conference.