Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Clyde Simmons

Clyde Simmons Jr. (born August 4, 1964) is a former who played 15 seasons in the () from 1986 to 2000, accumulating 121.5 sacks over 236 games, and currently serves as the defensive line coach for the . Born in Lanes, , Simmons attended New Hanover High School and played at , where he was a standout defensive lineman before being drafted by the in the ninth round (233rd overall) of the . Over the course of his professional playing career, he suited up for five teams: the (1986–1993), (1994–1995), (1996–1997), (1998), and (1999–2000). His most productive years came with the Eagles, where in 1991 he helped anchor the league's top-ranked defense in rushing yards and passing yards allowed, while tying for the lead in takeaways. Simmons earned two selections (1991 and 1992) and two First-Team honors during his career, highlighted by a league-leading 19.0 sacks in 1992, which remains one of the standout single-season performances by a defensive . He finished his playing tenure ranked 11th all-time in sacks at the time of his retirement. Transitioning to coaching after a hiatus from , Simmons began in 2008 as defensive line coach at and entered the coaching ranks in 2010, spending eight seasons with teams including the , /Los Angeles Rams, and . Since 2019, he has focused on , serving as defensive line coach at (2019), (2020), (2021–2024), and joining in 2025 under head coach . Simmons was inducted into the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to .

Early life and education

Childhood in South Carolina

Clyde Simmons Jr. was born on August 4, 1964, in , a small town in . He was raised in a close-knit family that included his younger brother, Jimmie Simmons, with whom he would later share a legacy of athletic excellence. His mother, Queen Simmons, emphasized the importance of education in raising her sons. Limited details are available on his father, but the family's roots in rural shaped his early years amid a landscape of farmland and small-town life. Simmons' formative experiences in Lane fostered an initial interest in physical activities, though his more structured involvement in sports began after his family relocated to , during his early childhood. This move marked the transition to his high school athletic pursuits.

High school career

Simmons attended New Hanover High School in , after his family relocated from , , where he was born. At the school, he participated in multiple sports, including alongside future NBA player Kenny Gattison, but ultimately found his calling in under the encouragement of head coach Joe Miller. This focus on built on the athletic and academic legacy established by his family at New Hanover, where his brother Jimmie also excelled. During his high school career, Simmons starred as a defensive for the Wildcats, demonstrating the skills that would define his future in the sport. His performance drew attention from college recruiters, leading to his commitment to following graduation. The family's longstanding support from his childhood played a key role in fostering his dedication to high school athletics.

Playing career

College career

Clyde Simmons enrolled at Western Carolina University in 1982 and played defensive line for the Catamounts football team from 1982 to 1985. As a key contributor on the defensive front, he amassed 307 career tackles, ranking ninth in program history at the time and currently 12th. His disruptive presence was evident in his rankings among Catamount greats, finishing second all-time in tackles for loss and third in sacks. In his senior year of 1985, Simmons earned first-team All-Southern Conference honors and was selected as a first-team by the Football Coaches Association, highlighting his individual impact on a competitive Division I-AA program. These accolades underscored his development into a dominant pass rusher and run stopper, setting the stage for his professional career. Simmons played a pivotal role in the Catamounts' memorable 1983 season, leading the defensive line during an unbeaten streak of 12 games that propelled the team to the NCAA Division I-AA game. Though Western Carolina fell 43-7 to in the title game, Simmons' contributions helped the team overcome an 0-2 start to secure playoff victories and national prominence. For his outstanding collegiate legacy, Simmons was inducted into the Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002 as part of the Class of 1996, recognizing his leadership and statistical dominance that elevated the program's defensive standards.

Professional career

Simmons was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the ninth round (233rd overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft out of Western Carolina University. His selection came after a strong college performance that showcased his pass-rushing potential, providing a foundation for his professional success. Over his 15-year career spanning 236 games with five teams, Simmons amassed 121.5 sacks—ranking 23rd all-time—along with 966 tackles, 25 forced fumbles, three interceptions, and 14 fumble recoveries (two returned for touchdowns). He began with the Eagles from 1986 to 1993, where he established himself as a dominant , recording 76 sacks during that span, including a career-high 19 in that led the league. That season earned him first-team honors and a selection, marking the peak of his time in . In 1994, Simmons signed with the , contributing 17.0 sacks over two seasons while earning another strong performance in pass defense. He then joined the in 1996, where he added 16 sacks across two years, highlighted by a pivotal playoff moment in the Wild Card game against the : Simmons intercepted a shovel pass from and returned it 20 yards for a , the Jaguars' first-ever playoff score, helping secure a 30-27 upset victory. His 1991 season with the Eagles also featured 13 sacks, first-team recognition, and a appearance, underscoring his consistent elite production. Simmons moved to the for the 1998 season, registering 5.0 sacks in 16 games, before concluding his career with the from 1999 to 2000, where he added 7.5 sacks over his final two seasons. He retired after the 2000 season, leaving a legacy as a reliable and impactful across multiple franchises.

Coaching career

Early coaching positions

After retiring from his NFL playing career in 2000, Clyde Simmons worked outside of for several years before transitioning into . He began his coaching career in 2008 as the defensive line coach at , a private high school in , where he focused on developing young players' techniques and fundamentals drawn from his own professional experience. In 2010, Simmons marked his entry into professional football coaching by accepting a position as a defensive intern with the New York Jets through the NFL's minority coaching fellowship program. In this role, he worked primarily with the defensive line under head coach Rex Ryan, the son of Simmons' first NFL coach Buddy Ryan, assisting in training sessions and contributing to the unit's preparation during the season. This internship provided Simmons with hands-on experience at the NFL level and helped bridge his high school coaching background to more advanced professional opportunities.

NFL coaching roles

Simmons joined the NFL coaching ranks in 2012 as the assistant defensive line coach for the St. Louis Rams, a position he held through the team's relocation to Los Angeles until the end of the 2016 season. In this role, he contributed to the development of defensive schemes that emphasized pass-rush effectiveness, helping the Rams' defensive line amass 217 sacks over his five-year tenure. His work laid the foundation for a disruptive front that ranked among the league's better units in quarterback pressures during that period. During his time with the , Simmons coached standout players including defensive end Robert Quinn and defensive tackle . Quinn, under Simmons' guidance, set a franchise single-season record with 19 sacks in 2013, earning First-Team honors. , whom Simmons helped develop as a , won the 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and made three selections during Simmons' stint, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the ' defense. In 2017, Simmons advanced to defensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns, where he served for two seasons through 2018. Under his tutelage, the Browns' defensive line showed notable improvement in run defense during the 2017 season, ranking seventh in the NFL with 97.9 rushing yards allowed per game despite the team's overall 0-16 record and 31st ranking in points allowed per game (25.6). The unit contributed 34 sacks that year while integrating rookie Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall draft pick. In 2018, the Browns improved to a 7-8-1 record, with the defense ranking 21st in both points allowed (24.5 per game) and total yards allowed (393.0 per game), though it struggled against the run at 28th (135.2 yards per game); the line recorded 37 sacks, highlighting continued growth in pass-rush production. Simmons departed from NFL coaching following the 2018 season, concluding his professional league staff roles.

College coaching roles

Simmons began his college coaching career in 2019 as the defensive line coach at , a NAIA program in , , where he focused on developing young talent drawing from his professional background. In 2020, he returned to his , , as the defensive ends coach for the Catamounts in the FCS for one season, marking a after his playing days there from 1982 to 1985. Simmons joined in May 2021 as defensive line coach under , contributing to the Tigers' defensive unit in the FCS . Over four seasons from 2021 to 2024, the program showed marked improvement, starting with records of 5-6 in 2021 and 4-7 in 2022 before advancing to 6-5 in 2023 and culminating in a regular-season record of 9–3 and an overall 9–4 finish in 2024, including a shared conference title and a first-round FCS playoff loss to . His work emphasized player development in an academic-athletic , leveraging prior insights to enhance techniques for long-term growth. In 2025, Simmons reunited with on the inaugural staff at as defensive line coach for in the MAC, where he has helped implement a stout defensive scheme aimed at physicality and disruption up front during the team's transition under new leadership.

Awards and honors

Playing achievements

During his playing career, Clyde Simmons earned widespread recognition as one of the NFL's premier defensive ends, highlighted by multiple individual accolades and statistical milestones that underscored his pass-rushing prowess. Simmons was selected to the in 1991 and 1992, earning invitations based on his dominant performances with the . He also received first-team honors in both 1991 and 1992 from the , reflecting his status among the league's elite defenders during those seasons. In 1992, Simmons led the in sacks with a career-high 19.0, a mark that cemented his reputation as a disruptive force opposite on the Eagles' defensive line. Over his 15-year tenure from 1986 to 2000, he accumulated 121.5 sacks, ranking 23rd all-time among official leaders (sacks tracked since 1982). In the playoffs, Simmons contributed significantly, including a 20-yard return for a in the 1996 game against the while with the . Simmons' impact with the Eagles was further honored by his induction into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 2018, alongside linebacker , acknowledging his eight seasons and key role in the team's defenses of the early 1990s. He was also inducted into the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to football.

Coaching accomplishments

During his tenure as an assistant defensive line coach with the / from 2012 to 2016, Simmons played a key role in developing elite pass rushers, including Robert Quinn, who set a single-season record with 19 sacks in 2013. Under Simmons' guidance, the amassed 222 total sacks over those five seasons (primarily by the defensive line), ranking third in the during that period. Simmons also contributed to the early development of defensive tackle , whom he coached during Donald's rookie season in 2014; Donald earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was selected to three Pro Bowls while under Simmons' tutelage with the . In 2018, Donald broke Quinn's franchise sack record with 20.5, a testament to the foundational techniques Simmons instilled in Rams pass rushers. At (2021–2024), Simmons coached defensive lineman Terrell Allen to the 2023 as the top defensive player in FCS football. Leveraging his own playing experience as a two-time , Simmons transitioned effectively to coaching, emphasizing pass-rush fundamentals that elevated individual player performances and unit productivity.

References

  1. [1]
    Clyde Simmons Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
    Clyde Simmons. Clyde Simmons Jr. Position: DE-DT. 6-5, 292lb (196cm, 132kg). Born: August 4, 1964 in Lanes, SC. College: Western Carolina.
  2. [2]
    Clyde Simmons - Football Coach - Bowling Green State University ...
    Clyde Simmons joined Eddie George's inaugural BGSU staff in 2025 as the defensive line coach. He spent four seasons (2021-24) as the defensive line coach under ...
  3. [3]
    Clyde Simmons - Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame
    Simmons made his professional NFL debut in 1986 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, ...
  4. [4]
    https://www.facebook.com/BGSUFootball/posts/our-guy-had-over-120-sacks-in-the-nfl-giving-coach-clyde-simmons-a-post-practice/1406707944790227/
  5. [5]
    Clyde Simmons - Assistant Coach / DL - Football Coaches
    Former Catamount defensive lineman and a 15-year veteran of the National Football League, Clyde Simmons joined head coach Mark Speir's football staff where he ...
  6. [6]
    Clyde Simmons | Pro Football History.com
    Clyde Simmons was a football coach in the National Football League (NFL) from 2010 to 2018, finishing his career as the defensive line coach of the Cleveland ...
  7. [7]
    FORMER NFL STAR, COACH CLYDE SIMMONS HIRED AS MBU D ...
    Jul 17, 2019 · Simmons played 15 years on the NFL gridiron and spent eight seasons coaching in the league before coming to Missouri Baptist. "I have to pinch ...
  8. [8]
    Eddie George's son, several coaches, set to leave Tennessee State
    Mar 19, 2025 · Eddie George was named coach at Bowling Green earlier this month after serving four years as Tennessee State's head coach. ... Clyde Simmons ( ...
  9. [9]
    Lane, SC - Niche
    Living in Lane offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Lane and residents tend to be liberal.
  10. [10]
    Simmons family athletic and academic tradition continues at New ...
    Jul 24, 2013 · Clyde and Jimmie Simmons initiated a legacy of athletic and academic excellence at New Hanover High School and beyond that made them one of ...Missing: birth background
  11. [11]
    Clyde Simmons on Philadelphia Eagles Defense, Playing for WCU ...
    May 28, 2023 · Clyde Simmons was born in Lane, SC. His family moved to Wilmington, NC when he was young and sports highlighted his childhood.Missing: Jr. | Show results with:Jr.
  12. [12]
    Congratulations to our defensive line coach, Clyde Simmons, on ...
    Clyde finished his career 11th all time on the NFL sack list, with 121.5. Since retiring, Clyde has coached at many Christian colleges and is currently a ...
  13. [13]
    All-Time Football Team - Wilmington Star-News
    Aug 20, 2009 · Simmons starred at New Hanover, and as a senior at Wake Forest, led the Deacons with 140 tackles. It earned him first team, All-Atlantic Coast ...Missing: stats recruitment
  14. [14]
    Clyde Simmons (2002) - Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame
    After retiring from the professional football ranks in 2000, Simmons worked outside the game until 2008 when he began his coaching career at Greater Atlanta ...
  15. [15]
    1983 Football Team (2003) - Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame
    The Catamounts had their run come to an end as Southern Illinois won the NCAA I-AA championship with a 43-7 decision. ... Clyde Simmons. Explore HOF ...
  16. [16]
    Clyde Simmons: Out Of The Shadows, Into The Spotlight
    Sep 23, 2018 · Clyde Simmons recorded 720 tackles, 76.0 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, and three defensive touchdowns in 124 career games with the Eagles.
  17. [17]
    https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1992/allpro.htm
  18. [18]
    Twenty-five seasons, twenty-five games: Jaguars 30, Bills 27
    Jun 21, 2019 · But a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown by defensive end Clyde Simmons and a fourth-and-1 stop of Bills quarterback Jim Kelly ...
  19. [19]
    Clyde Simmons on Coaching Fellowship With Jets
    chances to sample coaching. It ...Missing: Jr. early
  20. [20]
    Former New Hanover football star Simmons follows NFL play with ...
    Dec 10, 2012 · After 15 years as a pro defensive end, Clyde Simmons retired in 2000 with no intention of coaching.
  21. [21]
    Browns add 5 to coaching staff - Cleveland Browns
    Jan 19, 2017 · Prior to his time with the Rams, Simmons spent the 2010 season as a coaching intern with the New York Jets, primarily working with the defensive ...Missing: early | Show results with:early<|control11|><|separator|>
  22. [22]
    Rams Sacks By Year 2008 To 2021 | StatMuse
    rams sacks by year 2008 to 2021. The St. Louis Rams had 30 sacks in 2008. Interpreted as: rams defensive sacks by year 2008 to 2021. TEAM, SCK, SEASON, GP, TKL ...
  23. [23]
    Browns hire Clyde Simmons to coach defensive line - Sportsnet
    Jan 19, 2017 · With the Rams, Simmons coached three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle ... He began his coaching career as an intern with the New York Jets in 2010.
  24. [24]
    2017 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics | Pro-Football-Reference.com
    ### Cleveland Browns 2017 Defensive Statistics
  25. [25]
    2018 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics
    Check out the 2018 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics including AFC and NFC results and standings on Pro-football-reference.com.
  26. [26]
    Tosh Lupoi will replace Clyde Simmons as Browns DL coach
    Jan 17, 2019 · The flip side of Lupoi taking the position of defensive line coach in Cleveland is that it means the end of Clyde Simmons on the Browns staff.
  27. [27]
    Former Catamount Clyde Simmons Joins WCU Staff
    Feb 26, 2020 · Former Catamount defensive lineman and a 15-year veteran of the National Football League, Clyde Simmons has joined head coach Mark Speir 's football staff.Missing: leaves | Show results with:leaves
  28. [28]
    Former NFL sack specialist Clyde Simmons headlines Eddie ...
    Jun 16, 2021 · Former NFL sack specialist Clyde Simmons headlines Eddie George era coaching staff additions.Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements<|separator|>
  29. [29]
    Eddie George Named Finalist for Eddie Robinson National Coach ...
    Nov 26, 2024 · Under George's leadership, Tennessee State posted a 9-3 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the Big South-OVC Football Association, earning a ...
  30. [30]
    Eddie George - Football Coach - Bowling Green State University ...
    Career Head Coaching Record ; 2021, Tennessee State, 5-6 ; 2022, Tennessee State, 4-7 ; 2023, Tennessee State, 6-5.
  31. [31]
    Clyde Simmons - Defensive Line Coach - FOOTBALL Coaches
    Simmons was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was named first-team All-Pro in both 1991 and 1992, leading the NFL in sacks in the latter. He was also ...
  32. [32]
    Sources: Eddie George's Bowling Green staff beginning to take shape
    Mar 25, 2025 · As many as five members of Eddie George's 2024 Tennessee State coaching ... coach Richard McNutt and defensive line coach Clyde Simmons ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  33. [33]
    2025 BGSU football season preview: Falcons set to begin Eddie ...
    Aug 22, 2025 · So, I think we're going to be very stout on defense.” His defensive line coach, Clyde Simmons, preached the exact same thing. “We're gonna ...Missing: strategies | Show results with:strategies
  34. [34]
    NFL Sacks Career Leaders (since 1960) | Pro-Football-Reference.com
    All-Time Sacks Leaders. Photo of Bruce Smith · Photo of Reggie White · Photo of ... Clyde Simmons, 121.5, 1986-2000, 5TM. 33, Calais Campbell, 115.5, 2008-2025 ...
  35. [35]
    Seth Joyner And Clyde Simmons To Be Inducted Into Eagles Hall Of ...
    Aug 9, 2018 · Seth Joyner and Clyde Simmons will be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame on September 23, when the team hosts the Indianapolis Colts at Lincoln Financial ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Browns add 5 defensive assistants to Hue Jackson's staff - ESPN
    Jan 19, 2017 · ... Robert Quinn set a single-season franchise record with 19 sacks in 2013. The Rams finished third in the NFL with 217 total sacks during Simmons ...