Florida A&M University Athletic Director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes announced Monday that FAMU football coach Willie Simmons, who led FAMU to the HBCU national championship last month, is leaving the program after six seasons.
Sykes said that Simmons had submitted his letter of resignation, which she approved, so he could pursue a new position at Duke University as a running backs coach.
“I want to thank Coach Willie Simmons for his hard work to elevate our football program. What he did in his time here is nothing short of remarkable. I sincerely appreciate the hard work that he put into not only our program but into the entire FAMU community,” Sykes said on YouTube.
It’s not clear how much Duke will be paying Simmons, who reportedly earned $300,000 a year at FAMU, but it promises to be a significant pay raise.
In the past six seasons at FAMU, Simmons pioneered a rejuvenated Rattlers with a 45-13 overall record and a 22-2 SWAC record. FAMU went 12-1 this season while winning the SWAC Championship and Celebration Bowl.
In a press release statement from the former head coach, Simmons, 43, thanked the university’s leadership, current and former athletic directors, football players, coaching staff, the Marching 100 and the Rattler Nation fanbase.
“After days of fervent prayer and reflection, it is with an immense sense of humility and gratitude to announce that my family and I have decided to transition into the next chapter of my coaching career. My time as the Head Football Coach at FAMU has been truly amazing, and my wife and I are forever grateful to all of Rattler Nation for embracing and loving us the way only Rattler Nation can,”Simmons said.
Simmons also shared his excitement for the future of FAMU football and to “… continue STRIKING from the top!”
Kamari Young, a member of the football team, expressed his appreciation for his former coach on X. “On behalf of me and my family and teammates. THANK YOU Coach Simmons. You took a chance on a kid from Tallahassee, FL with no ACL. Forever grateful. Go stand on business.”
In a press release statement Sykes said, “In the interim, we are fortunate to have Coach James Colzie Ill stepping up as the interim head coach. Coach Colzie Ill, who currently serves as the assistant head coach, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role, and I am confident in his ability to guide our football program during this transition period.”
In an effort to ensure a smooth transition amid Simmons’ departure, Sykes said she has met one-on-one with current players, recruits and the coaching staff to ensure their needs will still be met and that they will have nothing to worry about. To support the current coaching staff, the FAMU National Alumni Association has also raised over $100,000 for the athletics program.