By Sadie Hunter
At the beginning of the year, Noblesville Schools named Jason Simmons as its new head varsity football coach. Simmons replaced former head coach Lance Scheib after he announced in November 2015 he would not be returning. The first regular-season, home game is against North Central High School at 7 p.m. Aug. 12. Current in Noblesville caught up with Simmons, 40, to learn more about him and his goals for the upcoming season.
Title at Noblesville Schools: Dean of Students, Head Football Coach
Education: Roncalli High School, 1994; Miami University – Oxford, 1999, bachelor’s degree; Ball State University, 2006, master’s degree.
Professional accomplishments, awards or experiences:
- Assistant Executive Director of the Indiana Football Coaches Association.
- Selected to Coach in the IFCA All Star Game, 2009 and 2011.
- Member of the American Football Coaches Association.
Teaching experience:
- Special Education Teacher at Hamilton Heights High School, 2001-2006.
- Special Education Teacher at Ben Davis High School, 2006-2007.
- Physical Education Department Chairperson, 2007-2009.
- Dean of Students, Head Football Coach at Hamilton Heights High School, 2009-2011.
- Assistant Athletic Director at Ben Davis High School, 2011-2013.
- Dean of Students at Noblesville High School, 2013-present.
What is your background in football?
“Three-year letter winner at Roncalli HS, Captain on the 1993 State Championship team; four-year letter winner at Miami University — Oxford; entering my 17th season coaching high school football; Assistant Coach at Hamilton Heights, 1999-2005; Assistant Coach at Ben Davis, 2006-2008; Head Football Coach at Hamilton Heights, 2009-2010 (21-4 record); Assistant Coach at Noblesville, 2013-2015.”
In what ways are you excited or looking forward to your new role?
“I am excited to lead the football program at Noblesville (High School). Noblesville is home to our family, and we take a great deal of pride in representing Noblesville. We have a tremendous group of players, coaches and parents that have embraced the direction the program is headed.”
What is the top priority or goal you have set for yourself, your students and this football season?
“The top priority I have for myself is to make a positive difference in the lives of the people I come across. I want our students at Noblesville (High School) to treat people the right way, embrace being challenged and strive to grow daily. Our call for this football season is to be competitive in our conference, sectional and state. We want to learn to embrace work, grow through discomfort and forge lifelong relationships.”
What makes Noblesville Schools special?
“Noblesville Schools is and has been home to our family since 2007. We have two kids currently attending Noblesville Schools with a third to start in the fall. Noblesville Schools is a progressive district that works to challenge its students to expand their scope of learning and be the best they can be.”
