Bob Simmons (American football coach) facts for kids
![]() |
|
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 13, 1948 Livingston, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | June 9, 2026 (aged 77) |
| Playing career | |
| 1968–1970 | Bowling Green |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1976 | Bowling Green (WR) |
| 1977–1979 | Toledo (OLB) |
| 1980–1987 | West Virginia (OLB) |
| 1988–1991 | Colorado (OLB) |
| 1992–1994 | Colorado (DL) |
| 1995–2000 | Oklahoma State |
| 2002–2004 | Notre Dame (LB) |
| 2005–2007 | Washington (TE/ST) |
| 2013–2015 | Boulder HS (CO) |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 30–38 (college) 10–19 (high school) |
| Bowls | 0–1 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
| Big 12 Coach of the Year (1997) | |
Bob Simmons (born June 13, 1948) was an American college football coach and player. He passed away on June 9, 2026. Simmons was known for his dedication to the sport. He led the Oklahoma State Cowboys as their head coach from 1995 to 2000. During his time there, he achieved a record of 30 wins and 38 losses. In 1997, he was recognized as the Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year for his excellent leadership. Later, in 2013, he became the head football coach at Boulder High School in Boulder, Colorado.
Contents
Bob Simmons' Early Life and Playing Days
Bob Simmons was born in Livingston, Alabama, U.S., on June 13, 1948. He loved football from a young age. Simmons played Linebacker for the Bowling Green Falcons from 1968 to 1970. Playing college football helped him understand the game deeply. This experience prepared him for his future career as a coach.
A Journey Through Coaching Football
Simmons began his coaching career in 1976. He started as a wide receivers coach at Bowling Green. Over the years, he worked with many college teams. He coached outside linebackers for the Toledo Rockets and the West Virginia Mountaineers. He also coached for the Colorado Buffaloes, first with linebackers and then with defensive linemen.
Leading the Oklahoma State Cowboys
In 1995, Bob Simmons became the head football coach for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. This was a big step in his career. He coached the team for six seasons, until 2000. His overall record with the Cowboys was 30 wins and 38 losses. A highlight of his time there was in 1997. That year, he guided the team to an 8–4 record. This success earned him the prestigious Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year award.
Coaching at Other Colleges and High School
After his time at Oklahoma State, Simmons continued coaching. He worked as a linebacker coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2002 to 2004. Then, he coached tight ends and special teams for the Washington Huskies from 2005 to 2007. His passion for coaching also led him to high school football. From 2013 to 2015, he was the head coach at Boulder High School in Boulder, Colorado. He helped young athletes develop their skills and love for the game.
