Antonio Pierce, the former associate head coach of the Arizona State football team, is not expected to return to college coaching anytime soon — at least not without certain restrictions.

Currently the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, Pierce has received an eight-year show cause penalty from the NCAA’s Division I Committee on Infractions due to his involvement in unauthorized recruiting actions during the COVID-19 dead period.

The NCAA found that Pierce, along with former staff member Anthony Garnett, engaged in recruiting practices that violated NCAA ethical guidelines by offering inducements to recruits and their families. If Pierce wishes to return to coaching in college football during this time frame, he will need to undergo a one-year suspension for the first year at any new institution.

The NCAA indicated that most of the infractions attributed to Pierce took place in 2020, when he and other Arizona State staff members, along with a university supporter, organized unofficial visits for recruits over approximately a year. During this period, the NCAA reported these visits occurred across 15 weekends and included tours of facilities, entertainment, and workouts with 35 prospects and their families.

Pierce was also involved in providing meals, merchandise, and airfare for 27 recruits, often collaborating with the aforementioned school booster. Additionally, he took a recruit’s parents to a nightclub.

The NCAA’s statement also highlighted that Pierce did not comply adequately with the ongoing investigation.

“Post his departure from Arizona State, Pierce repeatedly failed to fulfill his obligation to cooperate,” the announcement noted. “Although he did participate in an interview with investigators and acknowledged certain facts related to the unofficial visits, he consistently denied any involvement in planning or arranging these visits, providing recruiting incentives, or participating in out-of-state contacts and assessments.

“Furthermore, Pierce did not supply necessary financial documents requested by investigators.”

Garnett received a five-year show cause penalty and is also subject to a one-year suspension at any new school he joins.

Pierce, who played linebacker for the Washington and New York Giants in the NFL from 2001 to 2009, went undrafted in the 2001 NFL Draft after playing at Arizona. He served as the interim head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 before being promoted to head coach ahead of the 2024 season.

During his time at Arizona State from 2018 to 2021, Pierce held multiple roles including linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator, before advancing to associate head coach in 2020.

At the age of 45, Pierce joins Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who received a four-year show cause penalty in August due to violations during his time at Michigan, as one of the NFL head coaches facing NCAA penalties.