Texas' Pierce knows what it's like to replace a coaching legend

David Pierce, born and bred in Texas, has watched Mike Martin’s career from afar.

Lord knows, Pierce understands expectations, culture and pressure. He knows what it’s like to work for a legend – and follow one, too.

Everything might be bigger in Texas, but…

 “Coach Martin’s story is incredible,” Pierce said.

“He’s done it the right way, and in one spot. I know so many people who have the utmost admiration for him. From afar, I have admired Mike’s work, how he goes about his business. He’s an inspiration to all of us because of that."

Martin’s story, of course, will soon end on the baseball field.

Florida State’s legendary coach is sliding into retirement after 40 years as the Seminoles’ coach. He will depart as the all-time winningest coach across all college sports. Expect Martin to display unbridled passion for his players and his university until the Seminoles’ final out.

“Since Texas is not going to win the national title, my favorite team is going to be Florida State,” Pierce said of the Seminoles, playing in the Super Regional this weekend at LSU. 

Pierce, if you don’t recognize the name by chance, is the head baseball coach at Texas. Three years ago, Pierce replaced the legendary Augie Garrido.

Augie, rest in peace, does not need an intro.  He was, at the time, the all-time NCAA wins leader in front of Martin with five national championships when he was pushed into retirement at age 77. He died in March 2018 following a stroke. Garrido was 79.

Texas is Pierce’s dream job. Just like FSU will certainly be the dream job for its next coach.

Martin is sailing into retirement – literally. He and wife Carol will join Seminole Boosters on a Mediterranean cruise next month.

“You are always going to feel the presence of Mike Martin in that program, and rightfully so,” Pierce said. “The key is to embrace it, not ostracize it or run from it.”

David Coburn, FSU’s athletics director, plans to name a new coach in the upcoming weeks.

The Seminoles’ official list of applicants feature longtime assistant coach Mike Martin Jr., FAMU coach and former Seminole assistant Jamey Shouppe and Chipola College coach Jeff Johnson.

Let’s not kid ourselves. The list does not include others who have expressed interest and/or have been interviewed by telephone by the advisory committee Coburn formed to help identify candidates.

And, for the record, the job opening was still posted on the school’s employment site Friday afternoon.

This is not about who may replace Martin, 75. This is about the challenges of replacing a legend.

Pierce, 56, has a unique perspective.

He followed Mark Johnson at Sam Houston State, Rick Jones at Tulane and Augie at Texas. He also worked for the legendary Wayne Graham at Rice.

Any time you replace a successful coach, it’s a daunting hurdle and there will be comparisons. Pierce knew it and continues to live it.

 “You only have to deal with that if you make it an issue,” Pierce explained.

“You have to hire somebody who has a great foundation of who he is and what he believes in so you are not trying to be somebody else.”

Garrido is gone, but his presence is still felt at Texas.

Garrido also stayed close to the program when Pierce was hired. It was an open invitation.

While the two became dear friends, Pierce said Garrido never offered advice unless asked.

“When I was at Tulane, I got to know Augie and what he was about,” said Pierce, who traveled to Singapore with Garrido and other coaches to teach baseball to area teenagers.  “He couldn’t have been more gracious with his time with me. I think the next (FSU) coach should try to utilize the resource of Mike Martin.”

Pierce also understands that fans expect winning at programs like Texas and FSU. He has embraced the Longhorns’ tradition and alumni.

Last year, Pierce was named the AP Coach of the Year and led Texas to the College World Series after winning the Big 12.

This year, the Longhorns failed to reach the postseason and finished 27-27. Texas has had only seven losing campaigns since the 1900 season.

Pierce knows the challenges the next FSU coach may face.

He’s facing them at Texas, too.  And he won’t let those struggles compromise his character.

“You have to be true to yourself,” Pierce said.

“Trust who you are, trust what got you to these positions. You are humbled every day. More than anything, be true to yourself, trust what you do and continue to do it. The game is pretty simple and very pure.”

Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com