Willie Simmons and his wife, Shaia Rene Beckwith, are the parents of six children: two sons and four daughters.
The former Florida A&M head coach considers his wife the “head coach of the head coach.”
Willie Simmons, born on October 12, 1980, hails from Tallahassee, Florida. He played college football as a quarterback at Clemson University and The Citadel.
Simmons began his coaching journey in 2005 at Lincoln High School. His dedication and expertise led him back to Clemson University, his alma mater, where he served as a graduate assistant coach after just one season at Lincoln High School.
Subsequently, he expanded his coaching portfolio by contributing to Middle Tennessee from 2007 to 2011, followed by a tenure at Alcorn State between 2012 and 2014.
From 2014 to 2017, Simmons was the head coach at Prairie View A&M. His leadership journey continued as he took on the head coach role at Florida A&M, where he served from 2018 until 2023.
Presently, he serves as the running backs coach at Duke University.
Willie Simmons Wife, Shaia Rene Beckwith: Married Life & Kids
Willie Simmons is married to Shaia Rene Beckwith, a fellow native of Quincy, Fla., and an alumna of Florida A&M University.
Together, the couple is blessed with six children: sons Louis III and Wraylon and daughters Amerie, Raven, Shailoh, and Truth.
Within their familial dynamics, Simmons lovingly acknowledges Shaia as the “head coach of the head coach,” emphasizing her pivotal role in managing their household.
Her educational journey began at James A. Shanks High School, and she furthered her studies at Florida A&M University.
She completed her degree in educational leadership and administration at the university.
Previously, Shaia enriched students’ lives as a fifth-grade teacher within the Gadsden County School Board.
Additionally, she contributed her expertise as a public information officer for Gadsden County Schools.
Currently, she devotes her time as a dedicated stay-at-home mom, wholeheartedly supporting their loving family.
After Six-Year Stint at Florida A&M, Willie Simmons Steps Down
Willie Simmons, the Head Coach of Florida A&M’s football program, has decided to part ways after a successful six-year tenure.
Simmons officially submitted his resignation and is set to join Duke University as their running backs coach.
In the interim period, James Colzie III, the Cornerbacks Coach, will assume the responsibilities of the head coach for the Rattlers.
Concluding his illustrious stint in Florida’s capital city, Simmons leaves behind an impressive record of 45 wins and 13 losses.
He expressed profound gratitude towards the FAMU leadership for their support.
On an emotional note, Simmons conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to past and present coaching and support staff, emphasizing the invaluable relationships and cherished memories he forged during his tenure.
FAMU’s President, Dr. Larry Robinson, also commented on Simmons’s impactful leadership.
He lauded Simmons for steering the football program to remarkable heights, notably the crowning achievement of clinching the 2023 Celebration Bowl victory against Howard University.
