Tom Sims (American football) facts for kids

Thomas Sidney Sims, born on April 18, 1967, is a well-known American football coach. He used to be a professional football player himself. Currently, he is the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for Wayne State University. He has held these important coaching roles since 2023.

Before becoming a coach, Tom Sims played four seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Indianapolis Colts. The Chiefs picked him in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL draft. He started his college football journey at Western Michigan University. Later, he transferred to the University of Pittsburgh to play for the Pittsburgh Panthers. Tom Sims went to Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan.

College Football Journey

Tom Sims was a student at the University of Pittsburgh. He played college football there. In 1990, he earned a business degree from the university.

Playing in the NFL

Tom Sims was chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1990 NFL Draft. He was the 152nd player picked overall.

Time with the Kansas City Chiefs

In 1990, Tom Sims had an ankle injury. Because of this, he did not play in any games that year. In 1991, he played in 14 games for the Chiefs. He made 6 total tackles.

He signed with the Chiefs again in July 1992. That year, he played in 12 games. He made 12 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and recovered 1 fumble. The Chiefs released him in September 1993.

Playing for the Indianapolis Colts

In November 1993, Tom Sims joined the Indianapolis Colts. He played in 5 games for them that year. He started 3 of those games. He made 30 total tackles and 1.0 sack.

In 1994, he played in all 16 games for the Colts. He started one game. He made 12 solo tackles and helped with 5 other tackles.

Brief Time with the Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings signed Tom Sims in June 1995. However, he was released by the Vikings in August 1995.

Return to the Kansas City Chiefs

Tom Sims signed with the Kansas City Chiefs again in March 1996. He was with the team during the 1996 season. But he did not play in any games that year.

Coaching Career Highlights

After his playing career, Tom Sims became a football coach. He has coached the defensive line at many colleges.

College Coaching Roles

• He coached the Hilltoppers at Western Kentucky University from 1997 to 1999.
• In 2000, he coached the Eagles at Eastern Michigan University.
• From 2001 to 2004, he was with the Golden Gophers at the University of Minnesota.
• He coached the Fighting Illini at the University of Illinois from 2005 to 2008.
• In 2009, he worked with the Jayhawks at the University of Kansas.
• He coached the Penguins at Youngstown State University from 2010 to 2014.
• From 2015 to 2016, he coached the Pittsburgh Panthers, his old college team.

Later Coaching Positions

In 2017, Tom Sims worked with the Baltimore Ravens during their training camp. After that, he became the defensive line coach at Savannah State in 2018.

The next year, he was promoted to defensive coordinator. This means he was in charge of the team's defense. He stayed in this role until the end of the 2021 season. In his first year as coordinator, his defense was the best in the SIAC for points allowed. He helped the Tigers have a winning season with 7 wins and 3 losses. This was their first winning season in over 20 years!

In March 2022, Sims joined the coaching staff at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He was the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach there. Since 2023, he has been the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for Wayne State.