Southern University

Johnny Simmons enters his third season as the Director of Player Development for the Jaguars.

Prior to joining the Jaguar Staff, Simmons spent 18 years as the Head Coach at Union Parish High School.  Simmons coached at Union Parish during two different tenures.  During his most recent tenure from 2011-2019, Simmons led Union Parish to the 2013 LHSAA 3A state championship game. 
Simmons spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Louisiana Lafayette from 2005-2008.  During his time on the Ragin Cajuns staff Simmons recruited and mentored the 2010 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, Tyren Johnson.  He also recruited and mentored his nephew Elijah Milsap.  Milsap spent several seasons playing overseas and playing in the NBA Summer League.

While an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech from 1999-2005, the Bulldogs notched winning records five of the six seasons that Simmons was on staff.  Simmons was on the Bulldogs staff that recorded a 22-10 mark during the 2001-2002.  During the 2001-02 season, the Bulldogs earned a postseason bid in the NIT, Tech's first postseason action in 10 years. Simmons' main responsibilities with the Louisiana Tech program was to assist with recruiting and on the floor coaching as well as scheduling.

Prior to joining the Bulldog staff, Simmons spent 10 years as the head coach at Farmerville High School from 1988-98.  During his time there, the Orangemen won five district championships in Class 3A.  He helped produce 19 all-district players, six district MVPs and five all-state players while head coach at FHS.  Six of his former players went on to play Division I basketball.  That includes former Farmer and Bulldog Antonio Meeking who went to preseason camp with the Milwaukee Bucks.   
Simmons is also the uncle of current Brooklyn Nets forward Paul Millsap.  Millsap is a 15 year NBA veteran and a four time all-star with the Atlanta Hawks.

Simmons is a 1984 graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor's degree in general studies.  Before joining the coaching profession, Simmons spent five years in the banking profession.

Simmons attended Downsville High School where he played basketball and baseball.  He was named all-district in both sports his senior year and led the baseball team to the state finals that season.

The Ruston, La. native is married to the former Patricia Williams of Ruston.  The Simmons' have five children -- Lakia, Reggie, Dinia, Jonis and Mason.