Jason

Simmons

As Simmons pointed out last year, the Raiders ranked ninth in scoring defense last season. They tied for the second-most defensive touchdowns in the league last year with five and have been working as a coach since 2011. A former safety who was drafted in the fifth round by the Steelers in 1998, Simmons, as been a defensive passing game coordinator in each of his previous two stops, and will now enter a fifth-straight season with the title.

Simmons has a relationship with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt dating back to their days in Green Bay. While his role with the Commanders, should he get the job, hasn’t been specifically stated, Simmons is “considered a prime candidate” for a position on Washington’s defensive staff.

Simmons played 10 years in the NFL before transitioning over to the coaching ranks. He spent two years in Carolina coaching the secondary and will now hold the same title for Josh McDaniels’ staff in Las Vegas. The Broncos interviewed Simmons for their defensive coordinator opening a few weeks ago, but he did not get the job.

It’s unclear why, as the Broncos are widely believed to have already guaranteed Rams secondary coach Ejiro Evero their coordinating gig. Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, “they’re still going through their process and Simmons was on their list of candidates.” Garafolo did not report that Evero is no longer considered likely to get the job. After spending nearly a decade in the league as a safety, Simmons has been rising up the coaching ranks since 2015.

Rookie Glenn Earl will not be available. The Texans’ safeties are susceptible to big pass plays.

No surprises or news here. Corey Bradford is healthy.

He hasn’t played since October 17th.

Simmons has been out with concussion problems. Houston needs him now with Marcus Coleman out.

A former safety with 10 years of NFL experience, Simmons began his post-playing career as an administrative assistant in Green Bay before working all the way up to DBs coach this past season. The Panthers are also bringing aboard Pat Meyer, who will serve as Matt Rhule’s OL coach. Meyer held the same job title with the Chargers from 2017-19.