| Tallahassee Democrat
FAMU coach Willie Simmons talks about armed violence among young people in Tallahassee
FAMU’s head coach, Willie Simmons, addresses some of the problems with armed violence among young people in Tallahassee.
Alicia Devine, Tallahassee Democrat
Willie Simmons, who quickly rebuilt his hometown’s FAMU football program as a winner, continues to attract interest from other schools.
Add South Carolina to that list.
Simmons is a candidate for Gamecocks running backs coach under first year coach Shane Beamer, the Tallahassee Democrat confirmed on Monday.
Reports of a possible change began circulating on social media over the weekend, including on HBCU Gameday.
Simmons, 40, signed a $ 1.5 million five-year contract at FAMU in December 2017.
The Tallahassee native and former Quincy Shanks star quarterback led the Rattlers to a record of 15-7, punctuated by a best MEAC score of 9-2 in 2019. FAMU’s 6-5 record in 2018 was the first program winning season since 2011.
Simmons was named the 2019 person of the year for the Tallahassee Democrat for changing lives on and off the pitch.
More: 2019 personality of the year: FAMU football coach Willie Simmons changes life on and off the field
After the FAMU 2020 season was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic, Simmons and the Rattlers are eyeing their highly anticipated SWAC debut in 2021.
A decision is expected quickly – National Signature Day is Wednesday.
The spot became available when running back coach Des Kitchings – hired by Will Muschamp’s team Beamer – left for the same position with the Atlanta Falcons last week.
Simmons had a record career at Quincy’s Shanks High, winning All-American awards as a quarterback and casting for 2,505 yards and 32 touchdowns in his senior season in 1999. He played quarterback at Clemson and The Citadel.
Simmons is married to former Shaia Rene Beckwith, also a native of Quincy and a graduate of Florida A&M twice. They have four children.
Talk to Jim Henry at [email protected].
No one covers the ‘Noles and Rattlers like the Tallahassee Democrat. Sign up using the link at the top of the page.