Veteran bench boss Bob Pierce, who guided the Shiga Lakestars and Akita Northern Happinets during their inaugural seasons, will become the second head coach in Sendai 89ers history, The Japan Times has learned.
Two sources familiar with the situation said on Monday that Pierce has been hired to lead the 89ers, who are looking to rebuild after the devastating March 11 earthquake. The team was unable to complete the season after major damage to Tohoku, including their primary gymnasium.
Longtime coach Honoo Hamaguchi and the 89ers parted ways after the 2010-11 season. Hamaguchi is now the Kyoto Hannaryz's third coach in as many seasons. (The previous Kyoto coach, Kazuto Aono, has accepted a job as an assistant coach for the JBL's Link Tochigi Brex.)