Clyde Simmons facts for kids
| Current position | |
|---|---|
| Title | Defensive line coach |
| Team | Bowling Green Falcons |
| Conference | MAC |
| Biographical details | |
| Born | August 4, 1964 Lane, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Wilmington (NC) New Hanover Western Carolina University (1996) |
| Playing career | |
| 1983–1985 | Western Carolina |
| 1986–1993 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1994–1995 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 1996–1997 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 1998 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 1999–2000 | Chicago Bears |
| Position(s) | Defensive end |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 2010 | New York Jets (Coaching intern) |
| 2012–2016 | St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (ADL) |
| 2017–2018 | Cleveland Browns (DL) |
| 2019 | Missouri Baptist (DL) |
| 2020 | Western Carolina (DL) |
| 2021–2024 | Tennessee State (DL) |
| 2025–present | Bowling Green (DL) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
|
|
Clyde Simmons Jr. (born August 4, 1964) is an American football coach. He is currently the defensive line coach for the Bowling Green Falcons. Before coaching, he was a professional football player. He played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He was chosen twice as a first-team All-Pro player. He also played in the Pro Bowl twice with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was later honored by being named to the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame.
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Playing Career Highlights
College Football Days
Clyde Simmons played college football at Western Carolina University. He helped his team, the Western Carolina Catamounts, reach the 1983 NCAA Division I-AA National Championship game. In 1992, he was recognized for his achievements. He was inducted into the Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame.
NFL Journey
Simmons was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1986 NFL draft. He played for the Eagles for eight seasons, from 1986 to 1993. After leaving Philadelphia, he played for several other NFL teams. These included the Arizona Cardinals (1994–1995) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (1996–1997). He also played for the Cincinnati Bengals (1998) and the Chicago Bears (1999–2000).
In the 1992 NFL season, he led the entire league with 19 sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. He finished his playing career with 121.5 sacks. This placed him 11th all-time on the NFL sack list at the time. He was selected to play in the Pro Bowl in both 1991 and 1992. During the 1996 NFL Playoffs, Simmons also scored a touchdown. He did this by catching an interception and running it back against Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills.
Coaching Career
Starting as a Coach
Clyde Simmons began his coaching journey in 2008. He started as a defensive line coach at Greater Atlanta Christian School. In 2010, he got an opportunity to work with the New York Jets. He joined them as a fellowship coach under Rex Ryan.
Working with NFL Teams
Simmons later became an assistant defensive line coach for the St. Louis and then the Los Angeles Rams. During his time with the Rams, the team had a total of 217 sacks. He coached talented players like Aaron Donald, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle. Donald was also named the 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Simmons also coached defensive end Robert Quinn. Quinn set a team record with 19 sacks in 2013. In January 2017, Simmons was hired by the Cleveland Browns to coach their defensive line.
Coaching in College
In 2019, he became a defensive line coach at Missouri Baptist. In May 2021, he was hired by Eddie George, the new head coach for Tennessee State. Simmons worked as the Tigers' defensive line coach until 2024. In March 2025, he was hired as the defensive line coach for the Bowling Green team. He continues in this role today.
