Official Conference USA announcements

Willie Simmons, Former HBCU Coach, Lands FIU Head Coaching Job

Dec 7, 2024, 03:42 PM

Willie Simmons, the former head coach of Florida A&M University (FAMU), has been appointed as the new head coach at Florida International University (FIU). This move follows the dismissal of Mike MacIntyre from FIU. Simmons' transition to FIU is noted for its significance, as it is not common for coaches from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to secure head coaching positions at Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools. His successful tenure at FAMU is seen as a stepping stone, similar to the path taken by former North Dakota State University head coach Matt Entz, who also moved to an FBS assistant role before securing an FBS head coaching job.