He then spent six seasons on Steve Hodgin's staff at Western Carolina, coaching running backs from 1991 to 1993, linebackers in 1994, and the defensive line in 1995 and 1996 while also serving as recruiting coordinator.
Speir moved to then-NCAA Division II Presbyterian in 1997, serving on Daryl Dickey's staff through the 1999 season.
In 2003, Speir was hired to Jerry Moore's staff at Appalachian State to serve as recruiting coordinator and to coach running backs.
[1] On December 22, 2011, Speir was named head coach at Western Carolina, replacing the outgoing Dennis Wagner.
During his tenure at Western Carolina, four players under Speir signed National Football League (NFL) contracts: Keion Crossen, Detrez Newsome, Ian Berryman, and John Brannon.