New York Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce and Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, right, watch the Miami Heat beat the New Jersey Nets, 106-90 Thursday night, March 3, 2005 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants signed the former Washington Redskins linebacker to a six-year, $26 million contract, including a $6.5 million signing bonus. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) MARCH 6, 2005 C2 Bill Kostroun / The Associated Press - Former UA linebacker Antonio Pierce, left, signed a $26 million contract with the New York Giants on Thursday. He had a breakout season with the Washington Redskins in 2004, making 112 tackles on the league's No. 3 ranked overall defense. JULY 28, 2005 C1 The Associated Press 2005 - A Giant contract: Former Wildcat Antonio Pierce signed a 6-year, $26 million deal with the Giants.

 BILL KOSTROUN

Antonio Pierce, a former UA linebacker who made a name as a tough-minded New York Giants star, Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, is getting into college coaching … and you'll never guess where.Β 

Arizona State announced Pierce as its new linebackers coach on Friday. Pierce is part of a Herm Edwards staff that's taking shape. Arizona State is reportedly close to hiring San Diego State defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales for the same position, and has been linked to Western Illinois coach Charlie Fisher as its new offensive line coach. The Sun Devils hired former Wyoming coach Dave Christensen as their offensive line coach on Thursday.Β 

Pierce and Edwards worked together at ESPN as on-air analysts.

Pierce, a junior college transfer, played at Arizona from 1999-2000. He is a member of the UA's Ring of Honor inside Arizona Stadium. Pierce was most recently the head coach at Long Beach Poly High School.

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