Coaching career
Simmons began his coaching career in 2011 with the Green Bay Packers. He spent nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers serving in a variety of roles such as defensive backs (2019), secondary (2018), assistant special teams (2016-17), and defensive assistant (2011-15). Green Bay's defense recorded 146 total interceptions, tied for the fourth most by any team during Simmons’ time in Green Bay. While serving as the assistant special teams coach, the Packers ranked second in the league in opponent punt return average (5.7) and yards per punt return (10.7). Simmons helped two different punters (Tim Masthay and Justin Vogel) eclipse the Packers all-time single season net punt average.
During the 2019 season as the defensive backs coach, he helped Green Bay advance to the NFC Championship game and finish the regular season ranked in the top five of the following categories: interceptions, completions percentage allowed, pass break-ups, forced fumbles, and fewest touchdowns allowed. Cornerback Kevin King had five interceptions and 15 passes defended which ranked tied fourth and tied eighth in the league, respectively. Also, Cornerback Jaire Alexander recorded two interceptions and had 17 passes defended which ranked tied fourth in the league.
Simmons joined the Carolina Panthers for the 2020-21 after being promoted to defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach. In the 2021 season, the Carolina defense finished the year 2nd in total defense and 3rd in opponent passing yards per game.
In 2022-23 he served in the same role as defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach with the Las Vegas Raiders. In 2023, the Raiders ranked ninth in scoring defense, and allowed only 19.5 points per game, their best mark since 2006. Las Vegas’ secondary accounted for three touchdowns, which was the most in franchise history since 2000. Additionally, 13 defensive backs recorded playing time throughout the season.
Simmons spent the 2024 season with the Washington Commanders. In Simmons’ first season in Washington, he improved the team’s pass defense tremendously. Under his guidance, Washington improved from 32nd to 3rd in opponent passing yards per game (189.5), the franchise’s best average since 2004. The defense also ranked 6th in the NFL in opposing completion percentage. [1]
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