Lincoln University, a startup Division II program set to begin in the fall of 2021, has made a key hire at defensive coordinator by bringing in a FBS coaching veteran.
Sources tell FootballScoop that Al Simmons has joined the program as defensive coordinator. Simmons brings 33 years of coaching experience at the college and NFL level with him to the new Oakland based program.
Prior to joining the Lincoln staff, Simmons coached the defensive backs at UNLV in 2018-19. He also recently coached the corners at New Mexico and served as the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Colorado State as well.
In addition to other coaching stops at Cal (two stints about a decade apart), Arizona State, and Oregon State, Simmons also spent some time in the NFL in a variety of roles with organizations including with the 49ers, Raiders, Cardinals, Chargers and Cowboys.
Simmons will work alongside head coach / athletic director Desmond Gumbs in starting the Lincoln football program from scratch.
The startup program is clearly serious about building their staff with proven veterans. A few weeks back on October 23rd, we shared that former James Madison (FCS - VA) outside linebackers coach / special teams coordinator John Bowers had been brought on board to coach the linebackers and serve as director of player personnel.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.