Willie Simmons, the running backs coach at Duke, has been named the next head coach at FIU, the program announced Saturday.
“Words cannot express how excited I am to lead FIU football into the future!” Simmons said in a press release. “I look forward to leading this program to newer heights as we strive to match our athletic prowess with the academic greatness of this world-class institution. There’s no better place to coach and play football than sunny South Florida, and we look forward to bringing the best and the brightest to the 305! The Future is NOW! PAWS UP!!!”
Simmons has the kind of head coaching experience FIU was clearly looking for.
Simmons is in his first season at Duke after previously being the head coach at Florida A&M. In six years there, Simmons went 45-13 and 34-5 against SWAC opponents. In 2023, a year when Simmons was the SWAC Coach of the Year, the Rattlers won their first SWAC title and the Celebration Bowl. They also were fifth in the FCS rankings. He coached multiple All-American players like Isaiah Land, who was the Buck Buchanan Award winner in 2021.
Before going to Florida A&M, he was the head coach at Prairie View A&M from 2015-17. He had a winning record there as well, going 21-11.
Previously, he was an offensive coordinator and running backs coach at Alcorn State (2012-14). But he also has other FBS experience, having been an offensive coordinator, running backs coach, and passing game coordinator at Middle Tennessee (2007-11). He was also a graduate assistant at Clemson in 2006.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Willie, his wife, Shaia, and the entire Simmons family into our FIU family,” FIU athletic director Scott Carr said. “Willie is a proven winner. In his eight seasons as a head coach, he has never had a losing season, and he won nine or more games in each of those last four years.
“Willie has strong recruiting ties to South Florida and connections throughout the entire state. We have the utmost confidence in him building a competitive program that will compete for championships. It’s truly an exciting day for FIU and I urge Panther Nation to support and invest in our football program. Paws Up!”
