Is Willie Simmons Leaving Famu? Why Is Willie Simmons Leaving Famu?
by Ruksana
Updated Jan 03, 2024
Is Willie Simmons Leaving Famu?
Willie Simmons has indeed resigned from his position at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Fans are showing appreciation for his time with the team, during which he led them to a SWAC championship and a Celebration Bowl win in 2023.
Despite the success, Simmons has decided to accept an assistant coach offer at Duke University. This transition marks the end of an era for FAMU football, and fans are reflecting on Simmons' impact on the team and the community.
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Why Is Willie Simmons Leaving Famu?
The reason behind Willie Simmons' departure from FAMU is his acceptance of an assistant coach position at Duke University. While FAMU fans are undoubtedly sad to see him go, there's an understanding that Simmons is moving on to new opportunities. Having achieved significant success at FAMU, including winning championships, Simmons is now taking his coaching talent to a different level by joining the coaching staff at Duke.
It's a bittersweet moment for both Simmons and the FAMU community, but his decision to explore a new coaching opportunity is a testament to his dedication and ambition.
Who is Willie Simmons?
Willie Simmons is an American college football coach currently serving as the running backs coach at Duke University. Born on October 12, 1980, in Tallahassee, Florida, he played college football as a quarterback at Clemson and The Citadel. Simmons has had a successful coaching career, with notable stints at Middle Tennessee State, Alcorn State, Prairie View A&M, and Florida A&M.
His coaching achievements include winning championships and earning accolades such as the AFCA Region 3 Coach of the Year and SWAC Coach of the Year. Beyond football, Simmons is a family man, married to Shaia René Beckwith, with six children.
Name
Willie Simmons
Born
October 12, 1980
Age
43
Birthplace
Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.
Playing Career
Clemson, The Citadel, Sioux City Bandits (Quarterback)
Coaching Career
Lincoln HS, Clemson, Middle Tennessee State, Alcorn State, Prairie View A&M, Florida A&M, Duke
Head Coaching Record
Overall: 66–24, Bowls: 1-0, Tournaments: 0–1 (FCS Playoffs)
Championships
Black College Champion (2023), SWAC (2023)
Honors
x2 AFCA Region 3 Coach of the Year (2022, 2023), SWAC Coach of the Year (2023)
Willie Simmons Early Life
Willie Román Simmons was born in Tallahassee, Florida, to Willie and Phyllis Simmons. The youngest of three children and the only son, he made a mark in high school as an All-American quarterback. Leading James A. Shanks High School to its first district championship in 22 years, Simmons received numerous scholarship offers.
He eventually chose Clemson, where he played three years and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sports marketing. His college journey continued at The Citadel, where he led the Bulldogs to a non-losing season, receiving All Southern Conference First Team honors.
Willie Simmons Career
Willie Simmons embarked on his coaching career in 2005 at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida, before joining Clemson as a graduate assistant coach. His coaching journey included notable positions at Middle Tennessee State, Alcorn State, Prairie View A&M, and Florida A&M.
Simmons achieved success with conference championships and coaching accolades, demonstrating his ability to transform football programs. His coaching philosophy emphasized offensive prowess, as evident in the impressive rankings of his teams in various offensive categories.
Willie Simmons Net Worth
As of 2024, Willie Simmons' net worth is reported to be approximately $27.1 million. This includes earnings from his successful coaching career, which spans various college football programs. Simmons' coaching achievements, championship wins, and contributions to the success of football teams have contributed to his financial success.
Willie Simmons Wife
Willie Simmons is married to Shaia René Beckwith, a two-time graduate of Florida A&M University. They have six children together: Louis III, Amerie, Raven, Shailoh, Wraylon, and Truth. Simmons' wife, Shaia, shares a Quincy, Florida, connection with him. They form a family rooted in both football and academic excellence.
Willie Simmons Age
Willie Simmons was born on October 12, 1980. As of the current date in 2024, he is 43 years old. Simmons, a former quarterback with a successful coaching career, has been influential in college football and is now serving as the running backs coach at Duke University.
Is Willie Simmons Leaving Famu? - FAQs
Willie Simmons left FAMU to accept an assistant coach offer at Duke University, seeking new coaching opportunities.
Simmons led FAMU to a SWAC championship and Celebration Bowl win in 2023, bringing back a winning mentality to the city and unifying the community.
Willie Simmons is an American college football coach, born on October 12, 1980, serving as the running backs coach at Duke University.
Simmons holds an overall coaching record of 66–24, including winning championships and earning coaching honors.
As of 2024, Willie Simmons' net worth is approximately $27.1 million, attributed to his successful coaching career.