Since Willie Jeffries made historical past in 1979 as the primary HBCU coach to steer an FBS program, there was an everlasting thirst for one more coach to interrupt by way of and make a long-lasting impression in school soccer’s highest stage. Greater than 4 many years later, that second is unfolding.
On the finish of final season, Willie Simmons, former head coach at Prairie View A&M and Florida A&M, left his place at Duke College to take the pinnacle teaching job at Florida Worldwide College (FIU). On August 29, Simmons earned his first FBS win, guiding FIU to a commanding 42-9 victory over Bethune-Cookman in his residence opener at Pitbull Stadium in Miami.
Since his arrival, Simmons has energized the FIU neighborhood, gaining early backing from new college president Jeanette Núñez. The Panthers, who completed simply 4-8 final season and have skilled solely reasonable success since launching soccer in 2002, now have a renewed sense of optimism.
Curiously, Simmons is the primary HBCU head coach since Jeffries to ascend to the FBS ranks. He’s not alone this 12 months, nevertheless, as three different former HBCU coaches now lead FBS packages: Jerry Mack at Kennesaw State College, Eddie George at Bowling Inexperienced College, and Simmons at FIU.
Mack’s Owls Put a Scare Into Wake Forest
Jerry Mack, the previous North Carolina Central head coach who elevated the Eagles into Celebration Bowl contenders, practically engineered an announcement win in his FBS debut. His Kennesaw State Owls fell simply quick in a 10-9 heartbreaker to ACC opponent Wake Forest.
“Actually pleased with the best way our guys competed and fought tonight,” Mack mentioned. “I used to be actually impressed with our protection and simply the battle they kinda put on the market. Offensively, we’ve obtained to do a greater job of executing. You possibly can see the second half particularly we simply didn’t present up. Particular groups smart, we’ve obtained to make these additional factors and area objectives. That was type of the story of how the sport progressed. If we make these area objectives and additional level within the first half, then we’re up within the second half versus taking part in catch up.”
Mack’s teaching journey has been regular and deliberate. After his success at NCCU, he was employed in 2017 as offensive coordinator at Rice, later turning into assistant head coach. In 2021, he joined Tennessee as working backs coach, adopted by a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. His hiring at Kennesaw got here by the hands of athletic director Milton Overton, a former FAMU administrator.
George Opens Tenure With a Kickoff Return to Bear in mind
Eddie George, the legendary Heisman Trophy winner who guided Tennessee State to the FCS playoffs, additionally loved a robust begin at his new submit with Bowling Inexperienced.
Within the 107th season of Falcon soccer, Bowling Inexperienced opened with fireworks. Cameron Pettaway returned the season’s opening kickoff 98 yards for a landing, sparking a 26-7 win over Lafayette.
“At the start, it’s a terrific alternative to educate these guys,” George mentioned. “Wallace had a tremendous sport. It’s a terrific alternative to educate right here at Bowling Inexperienced State College with the teaching workers. It’s a blessing with my household right here. I noticed teammates that I hadn’t seen in years. My coach from Ohio State, Coach [John] Cooper, Jim Tressel, City Meyer. It was a special occasion. I’m so filled with gratitude for this sport and all the pieces particular about our youngsters and this college.”
Simmons Begins New Period With Acquainted Foe
For Simmons, the debut couldn’t have been scripted higher. In his first sport main FIU, he confronted Bethune-Cookman — a rival he knew effectively from his FAMU days. Simmons went 3-2 towards the Wildcats at FAMU, and the Panthers’ 42-9 victory marked his fourth straight win over them.
“A good way to kick off the season with the win,” Simmons mentioned. “We play the sport to win. We didn’t play our greatest sport however we obtained the job accomplished. A whole lot of issues to wash up, however it’s typical of your first sport. A whole lot of jitters, loads of uncharacteristic issues, however we’ll get it cleaned up and drastically make enchancment between week one and week two, which is what you need now that the blokes have a full sport underneath their belts. We’re pleased to begin off with a win, attempting to get this program began off on the best foot.”
Simmons’ roster even options acquainted faces from his 2023 Celebration Bowl champion FAMU squad. Linebacker Johnny “Chainsaw” Chaney Jr. led the Panthers’ protection and relished one other shot at Bethune.
“This was fairly private for me. I imply it’s Bethune (Cookman). No matter group I’m on, we all the time need to beat Bethune,” Chaney mentioned.
Becoming a member of him is former FAMU All-American punter Trey Wilhoit, who now handles kicking duties for FIU.
When requested to check teaching at an HBCU versus the FBS stage, Simmons made it clear that the basics of the job don’t change.
“No, probably not. The way in which you do issues the best way you do all the pieces. Whether or not you’re head coach of a highschool group, you already know, FCS group, FBS, skilled. I’ve a job to do and that’s to steer younger males to be one of the best they are often so, I’m blessed to be right here. Blessed to have this chance. Like I mentioned, as soon as the sport begins, you’re simply teaching soccer. The blokes could get a bit bit greater, the upper you go; the NIL baggage a bit bit greater the upper you go, however once more, soccer continues to be soccer. The sector continues to be 53 1/3 yards large, 100 yards lengthy. I actually don’t get caught up in what stage you’re on and all that type of stuff. I’m only a nation boy from Quincy, Florida who’s blessed to have the ability to coach faculty soccer and I’m grateful for that.”
A New Chapter for HBCU Teaching Legacy
Greater than 40 years after Willie Jeffries blazed a path into the FBS, Simmons, Mack, and George now carry that legacy ahead — every carving out their very own storylines within the 2025 season. Their success alerts a brand new period, one through which HBCU coaches aren’t simply breaking limitations, but in addition proving that they belong on the highest stage of faculty soccer.
