| Current position | |
|---|---|
| Title | Defensive line coach |
| Team | Bowling Green Falcons |
| Conference | MAC |
| Biographical details | |
| Born | (1964-08-04)August 4, 1964 (age 61) Lane, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Wilmington (NC) New Hanover[1] 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 | 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 Americanfootball coach who currently is the defensive line coach for theBowling Green Falcons. He played as adefensive end in theNational Football League (NFL). He was a twice first-teamAll-Pro and a twicePro Bowl selection with thePhiladelphia Eagles. He was named to thePhiladelphia Eagles Hall of Fame.
Simmons playedcollege football atWestern Carolina University helping lead the Catamounts to the 1983NCAA Division I-AA National Championship game.[2] In 1992 he was inducted into theWestern Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame.[3]
Simmons was selected in the ninth round of the1986 NFL draft by thePhiladelphia Eagles where he spent 8 seasons (1986–1993).[4] After leaving Philadelphia he went on to play for theArizona Cardinals (1994–1995),Jacksonville Jaguars (1996–1997),Cincinnati Bengals (1998), and theChicago Bears (1999–2000). He led the NFL with 19 sacks in1992 and finished his career 11th all time on the NFL sack list, with 121.5. (Currently ranked 22nd all time.[5])He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1991 and 1992.[6] Simmons also returned aninterception for atouchdown againstJim Kelly and theBuffalo Bills in the 1996NFL Playoffs.[7]
Simmons began his coaching career in 2008 at Greater Atlanta Christian School as the defensive line coach.[8]
In 2010, he accepted an offer fromRex Ryan as a fellowship coach with theNew York Jets.[9]
Simmons was an assistant defensive line coach for theSt. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.[10] The Rams had 217 total sacks during Simmons' tenure. With the Rams, Simmons coached three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle and the 2014NFL Defensive Rookie of the YearAaron Donald, and defensive endRobert Quinn, who set a single-season franchise record with 19 sacks in 2013. In January 2017, he was hired by the Cleveland Browns to coach their defensive line.[11]
In 2019, he was hired as a defensive line coach atMissouri Baptist.[12]
In May 2021, he was hired by newTennessee State head football coachEddie George as the Tigers' defensive line coach.[13]
In March 2025, he was hired as the defensive line coach atBowling Green.[14]