Tallahassee Democrat, AOL.com, The Fayetteville Observer|4 minute read
Willie Simmons: From FAMU to Duke - A Journey Worth a Damn
Let’s cut the crap and get real: Willie Simmons is not your average football coach. This dude went from steering the Florida A&M Rattlers to now tearing it up as the running backs coach for the Duke Blue Devils. If you think that's a smooth ride, you need to buckle up and pay attention.
The FAMU Experience: Coaching with Grit
Simmons was more than just a head coach at Florida A&M; he was a damn force of nature. A Quincy native who grew up bleating for Florida State, he turned into the kind of coach who could inspire a rock to run a marathon. After taking the reins in 2018, he led the Rattlers to a couple of decent seasons, proving that he knows how to build a program. His time at FAMU wasn’t just a job; it was a calling. But let’s face it, the college football world is a fickle beast, and Simmons was ready to tackle the next challenge.
Duke: A New Playground for an Overqualified Coach
When Manny Diaz picked up the Duke football gig, he might as well have struck gold with Simmons. Some folks would say he’s overqualified for the running backs coach position, and you know what? They’re right. But that’s the beauty of it. Duke’s running backs are about to have their asses kicked into gear by a coach who knows how to get results.
Let’s not sugarcoat it; Simmons is stepping into a program that needs a wake-up call. With his history, he’s not just bringing experience; he’s bringing a whole damn attitude. You think he’s going to walk into that locker room and coddle these guys? Hell no. He’s going to push them to their limits, and if they can’t handle it, well, they can find a bench to sit on.
From Rattlers to Devils: A Wild Ride
So, what does this transition mean for college football? It’s a bold move, and it sends a message. Coaches aren’t just hopping from one school to another; they’re making power plays. Simmons’ journey from a historically black college to a Power Five conference is like watching a phoenix rise from the ashes while flipping the bird to everyone who doubted him.
This isn’t just about Simmons; it’s about the evolution of college football. Coaches are branching out, breaking barriers, and making waves. No more are they confined to the boxes that athletic departments have set up for them. This is a prime example of how the game is changing, and let’s be real, it’s about damn time.
What’s Next for Simmons and Duke?
As Simmons gears up for the upcoming season with the Blue Devils, you can bet your last dollar he’s going to be putting in the work. Duke’s running backs better be ready to sweat, bleed, and maybe even cry a little because this isn’t going to be a walk in the park. If they want to keep up, they’ll need to embrace Simmons’ relentless style.
And for the rest of us? We get to sit back, grab our popcorn, and watch the drama unfold. Will Simmons turn the Duke running game into a juggernaut? Or will he find that coaching in the ACC is a whole different ballgame? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this is going to be one hell of a ride.
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