Bob Simmons, the pioneering coach who broke new ground as the first Black head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, passed away at 77.
During his six‑year stint in Stillwater, Simmons steered the team to an 8‑4 record in 1997, a season that featured a No. 12 national ranking and earned him the Big 12 Coach of the Year award.
A Trailblazing Career
Before arriving at Oklahoma State, Simmons had already made his mark on the college game, serving as linebackers coach at the University of Colorado during its 1990 championship season and later contributing to staffs at Notre Dame, Washington, Toledo and West Virginia.
After his tenure at Oklahoma State, he was succeeded by Les Miles, and over his entire collegiate head‑coaching career he finished with a 30‑38 record, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and trailblazing leadership.
Simmons’ story resonates beyond the gridiron, symbolizing a pivotal moment for representation in college football and inspiring future generations of coaches from underrepresented backgrounds.