Steve Pierce, Samuell’s head football coach since 1997, announced his retirement at the age of 68 on Monday. He held the title of Dallas ISD’s longest-serving head football coach.
“It was just a multitude of things,” Pierce said. “Primarily, it was time for a change, for myself and for Samuell. It’s been a great, fun ride.”
Starting as an assistant coach in 1986, Steve Pierce was promoted to head coach at Samuell 11 years later. His most successful season was in 2001 when he guided the team to the third playoff round, achieving victories against Thomas Jefferson and Sherman before facing defeat to Highland Park.
In 1999, Samuell surprised everyone by defeating the previously unbeaten Highland Park 17-14 in the playoff’s first round but lost to Ennis in the following round. Under Pierce’s leadership, Samuell’s highest win total came in 1999, 2000, and 2016, with nine wins each season.
Reflecting on his fondest memories, Pierce mentioned witnessing the growth and maturation of the young athletes, both physically and emotionally. He said the connections with the kids would be what he misses the most.
Over the last five years, Samuell’s record was 11-38, with a 3-7 standing in 2022. Notably, Samuell was the sole school where Pierce served as head coach.
He said he doesn’t know what he will do next.
“I’ll enjoy myself for a while and then look at various options down the road,” he said.
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