Texas baseball coaching candidates: Top 5 David Pierce replacements for Longhorns in 2024

The Texas Longhorns made news on Monday with the firing of coach David Pierce after eight seasons. However, this is not completely out of the blue. Pierce had been on the hot seat for a while, especially after Texas faced an upset loss in the College Station Regional.

So, who can replace Pierce as the new coach of the Texas Longhorns ahead of their move to the Southeastern Conference?

Who can replace David Pierce at Texas?

#1 Jim Schlossnagle

Getting Texas A&M's coach would be another wrinkle as the Longhorns join the SEC. He has been part of the program since 2022 and has been one of the most successful coaches with a 945-451 record, including 59-35 in the NCAA Tournament. However, he has failed to make the College World Series Finals throughout his lengthy coaching career.

#2 Jay Johnson

LSU Tigers coach Jay Johnson has been linked to the Texas Longhorns. However, he said earlier in June that he hasn't talked to Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte.

"I have not been contacted. And contractually, if I was to be contacted, (LSU athletic director) Scott Woodward would be the first person that knows, because that's what it says in contract. And I'm very, very thankful to be here... I think I'm built for this job incredibly well." (h/t NOLA.com)

While it seems like a long shot, this would be an interesting hire. He has a 454-234 record (.660 winning percentage) and won the 2023 College World Series.

#3 Scott Forbes

Scott Forbes has served as the North Carolina Tar Heels coach since 2021. He was earlier with the team as an assistant coach, from 2006.

He holds a 154-89 overall record, including a 12-10 record in the NCAA Tournament. But the reigning ACC Coach of the Year could leave the program to lead the Longhorns.

#4 Link Jarrett

Link Jarrett is currently coaching the Florida State Seminoles. It may be difficult to get him to leave his alma mater as he played shortstop for the program in the 1991-94 period.

Jarrett is going into his third season with the program and has a 373-246 (.603 winning percentage) record. The team made the 2024 College World Series but failed to reach the finals. It is difficult to imagine him leaving at this point, but the Longhorns could pursue Jarrett aggressively.

#5 Tom Walter

Wake Forest coach Tom Walter has been with the program since 2010 and has had a lot of success, including winning the 2023 College World Series. He also has three consecutive seasons of 38+ wins.

It will take a lot of money to get Walter to leave. But heading to the Southeastern Conference may be just the challenge that the 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year wants to elevate his status.