Former NFL defensive tackle Michael Pierce is trading in his cleats for a clipboard. The Gulf Shores (AL) Dolphins have announced that the eight-year NFL veteran will join their coaching staff as the defensive tackles coach for the 2026 season.

Pierce, a Daphne, Alabama native, brings a wealth of professional experience to the high school level. After going undrafted in 2016, the 6-foot, 355-pound powerhouse earned a spot with the Baltimore Ravens and later played for the Minnesota Vikings. Over his career, he amassed 238 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, six fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, five pass deflections, and an interception. He opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic before officially retiring from the NFL on March 12, 2025.

"We are excited to have Michael coaching and, especially, developing our young men," the team announced via Instagram. "Academics are important to him — obviously, being a Tulane graduate — and he will bring a wealth of experience. Our kids are excited to be coached by him and to be around him each day! What a great opportunity our kids have!"

Gulf Shores head coach Mark Hudspeth echoed the enthusiasm, noting that Pierce joins "what is already the most experienced high school staff in the country." The Dolphins finished the 2025 season with a 6-6 record, ranking as the No. 34 program in Alabama according to the final Massey Ratings.

For a program looking to build on its recent momentum, adding a player with Pierce's NFL pedigree is a major win. Young linemen will now have the chance to learn from someone who anchored the trenches at the highest level — a rare opportunity at the high school level. Whether you're a player dreaming of the next level or a fan repping your team's colors, this is the kind of coaching hire that elevates an entire program.