With the news that Antonio Pierce is drawing NFL interest as an assistant coach, ex-teammates of the former Giants linebacker gave him glowing praise.

Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora both stumped for Pierce on Twitter, with Tuck advocating for the Giants to bring Pierce — currently an Arizona State linebackers coach under Herm Edwards — back to the organization.

“Please God tell me @Giants are hiring him,” Tuck wrote. “Unbelievable smart football player. Probably the smartest football player I played with and that is saying a lot.”

NFL Network reported that Pierce’s name has been discussed among NFL clubs. Giants inside linebackers coach Bill McGovern won’t be retained, The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy reported Tuesday, so there’s an opening on Joe Judge’s staff for Pierce if the new Giants head coach is interested.

Pierce was with the Giants from 2005-09, teaming with Tuck and Umenyiora throughout his tenure. The trio was a part of the Giants’ defense that ended Tom Brady and the Patriots’ bid for perfection by winning Super Bowl XLII.

“I played with Antonio Pierce. Also played FOR him. At the same time. He will be an outstanding head coach,” Umenyiora wrote.

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