Willie Simmons and his wife, Shaia Rene Beckwith, have six children together: two boys and four girls. His wife, according to the previous Florida A&M head coach, is the “head coach of the head coach.” Willie Simmons was born in Tallahassee, Florida on October 12, 1980. He was a quarterback in college at Clemson University and The Citadel.
Simmons started coaching at Lincoln High School in 2005. After just one season at Lincoln High School, his passion and experience drove him back to his old school, Clemson University, where he worked as a graduate assistant coach. Following that, he broadened his coaching experience by working at Middle Tennessee from 2007 to 2011, followed by a stint at Alcorn State from 2012 to 2014. Simmons was the head coach at Prairie View A&M from 2014 until 2017. His leadership path continued when he was named head coach at Florida A&M, a position he held from 2018 to 2023. He is now the running backs coach at Duke University.
Shaia Rene Beckwith, Willie Simmons’ Wife: Married Life & Children
Willie Simmons is married to Shaia Rene Beckwith, a fellow Quincy, Fla., native and Florida A&M University alumnus. The marriage has six children: boys Louis III and Wraylon, as well as girls Amerie, Raven, Shailoh, and Truth. Within their family dynamics, Simmons refers to Shaia as the “head coach of the head coach,” underlining her critical position in home management.
Her academic career started at James A. Shanks High School and continued at Florida A&M University. She graduated from the institution with a degree in educational leadership and administration. Shaia formerly worked as a fifth-grade teacher for the Gadsden County School Board, enriching the lives of her children. She also shared her knowledge as a public information officer for Gadsden County Schools. She now spends her time as a committed stay-at-home mom, fully supporting their lovely family.
Willie Simmons Leaves Florida A&M After a Six-Year Tenure
Willie Simmons, the Head Coach of Florida A&M football, has opted to leave the school following a successful six-year career. Simmons has officially resigned and will be joining Duke University as the running backs coach. In the meantime, the Rattlers’ Cornerbacks Coach, James Colzie III, will take over the duties of head coach. Simmons’ remarkable career in Florida’s capital city concludes with an excellent record of 45 victories and 13 defeats.
He thanked the FAMU administration profusely for their assistance. Simmons expressed his profound gratitude to previous and current coaching and support personnel, highlighting the unique connections and treasured memories he made throughout his career. Dr. Larry Robinson, President of FAMU, also complimented Simmons’ influential leadership. He praised Simmons for leading the football team to incredible heights, including winning the 2023 Celebration Bowl against Howard University.
