University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Shawn Simms Named Running Backs Coach at Pittsburgh
2/23/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Shawn Simms Named Running Backs Coach at Pittsburgh
2/23/2001
PITTSBURGH - Shawn Simms, who has tutored some of the most productive rushers in Big Ten and Mid-American Conference history, has been named running backs coach at the University of Pittsburgh, Head Coach Walt Harris announced.
"Shawn boasts exceptional experience as a running backs coach," said Harris. "He has coached some really productive backs and is outstanding in stressing fundamentals which will be very important for our young group of running backs this year. Shawn has experience coaching on both sides of the ball and most importantly is a first-class individual who I believe will be a fine asset for our program."
"Having the opportunity to work with Walt Harris is really an incredible honor," said Simms. "He is doing some amazing work at the University of Pittsburgh and I'm excited about joining that effort. Also, the athletic department under Steve Pederson's guidance is really heading in an exciting direction so this opportunity just makes for a great fit for my family and me."
While at Illinois (1995-97), Simms tutored Robert Holcombe, who set Fighting Illini records for rushing yards in a career (4,105), season (1,281) and single game (315). Holcombe, who finished his career as the sixth all-time leading rusher in Big Ten history, would go on to be a second-round draft pick of the St. Louis Rams and was a member of their 1999 Super Bowl champion team.
Prior to Illinois, Simms coached at Toledo (1991-95) where he produced All-MAC performers in Wasean Tait and Casey McBeth. In Simms' final season with the Rockets, Tait and McBeth combined for over 2,000 yards. Tait finished his career fifth all-time in MAC history with 4,135 yards.
Simms also served as defensive ends coach at Ohio State from 1997-99. While with the Buckeyes he coached standout James Cotton, who went on to be drafted by the Chicago Bears.
Simms most recently served at Rutgers as its running backs coach during the 2000 season. He also worked as outside linebackers coach at Miami (Ohio) from 1989-91 and running backs coach at Oberlin College in Ohio from 1988-89.
A Freemont, Ohio native, Simms was an All-MAC linebacker at Bowling Green. He earned his bachelor's degree from BGSU in 1986 and later studied in San Diego State's masters program while working as a graduate assistant for the Aztecs from 1986-88.
Simms and his wife Victoria have a three-year-old son Tre' Austin.
