ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Report: Kansas City Chiefs wanted ASU’s Pierce as linebackers coach

Feb 3, 2019, 1:52 PM

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)...

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

The Kansas City Chiefs made a run at hiring Arizona State’s Antonio Pierce as its linebackers coach, according to NFL Network’s Alex Marvez.

Pierce, however, is staying put in Tempe.

ASU’s linebackers coach and recruiting director tweeted his affirmation to the university on Sunday, stating he was “10 toes deep” at his current position.

It’s no surprise Pierce has become a hot commodity despite just his one season at ASU.

The Sun Devils started three true freshman linebackers last season and it turned into one of the team’s most reliable position groups.

Freshman linebacker Merlin Robertson was named the Pac-12’s Defensive Freshman of the Year after leading the team in tackles (77), tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (5).

Pierce, a former standout NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion, will likely receive more attention from other teams in the coming years.

It bodes well for ASU, though, that Pierce decided to stick with the school over an NFL organization like the Chiefs, who were a win away from the Super Bowl.

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