Nicholas Pearce begins his third season at TSU as the team's defensive assistant with an emphasis on the nickel position.

Pearce had a big hand in developing the youth of the secondary as several freshmen and sophomores had breakout campaigns in the fall of 2021. The secondary broke up 28 passes as a unit in 2021 despite a number of players playing multiple positions. During the historic spring season of 2021, Pearce assisted with the linebackers as two of TSU's top four tacklers were linebackers. 

A native of Randallstown, Md., Pearce played collegiately at Bethany College and Wayland Baptist. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Wayland Baptist as he spent two seasons in Lubbock, Texas as both a player and grad assistant.

Pearce graduated from Bethany in 2019 with a degree in Sports and Fitness Administration.