PULASKI, Tenn. – Interim Head Coach Jake Chaney has announced the addition of Coleman Siniard and Josh Simmons as assistant coaches for the University of Tennessee Southern baseball program. Simmons will serve as the program's pitching coach, while Siniard will oversee hitters and catchers.
The pair bring a unique blend of collegiate and professional experience, along with strong ties to both the program and the local community.
"We're excited to welcome Coleman and Josh to our coaching staff," said Chaney. "Both men understand what it means to represent this program because they've lived it as student-athletes. They bring energy, knowledge, and a genuine passion for helping our players develop. Josh's experience on the mound, including his time in professional baseball, will be invaluable to our pitching staff, while Coleman's leadership behind the plate and offensive success will make an immediate impact on our hitters and catchers. They are outstanding additions to our program and to the UT Southern family."
A Pulaski native, Siniard returns to UT Southern after an accomplished collegiate career that spanned both the NAIA and NCAA Division I levels. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management from UT Southern before completing a Graduate Certificate in Business Leadership at Lipscomb University. A graduate of Giles County High School, Siniard was a standout student-athlete both locally and collegiately.
Siniard spent four seasons with the Firehawks before transferring to Lipscomb University for his final season of eligibility. A starting catcher throughout all five years of his collegiate career, he became one of the top offensive backstops in the Southern States Athletic Conference. In 2025, he earned All-SSAC First Team honors after batting .396 with a 1.080 OPS, seven home runs, and 35 RBI. He was also named SSAC Player of the Week during the 2024 season.
Across his four seasons at UT Southern, Siniard appeared in 123 games and established himself as one of the program's most consistent offensive performers and leaders behind the plate. He concluded his playing career at Lipscomb, where he made two appearances before a season-ending Achilles injury cut short his final year.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to UT Southern in a coaching role," said Siniard. "This program helped shape me as a player and as a person. To have the chance to work with the next generation of Firehawks is something I don't take lightly. I'm excited to help develop our hitters and catchers and contribute to the continued growth of the program."
Before his collegiate career, Siniard earned three All-District selections, three All-Region honors, and All-State recognition during his career at Giles County High School.
Simmons joins the coaching staff following a successful collegiate and professional playing career.
A graduate of UT Southern with a degree in Cybersecurity, Simmons played his entire collegiate career at the institution from 2020-24. He began his career when the university was known as Martin Methodist College and continued as the institution transitioned to the University of Tennessee Southern following its integration into the University of Tennessee System in 2021. During his five years on campus, Simmons developed into a key contributor on the mound while gaining valuable experience competing at a high level of NAIA baseball.
Following graduation, Simmons advanced to the professional ranks, pitching for the Windy City ThunderBolts of the Frontier League in 2025 before joining the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds of the Pioneer League in 2026. His professional experience provides firsthand knowledge of player development and the path to competing at the next level.
A graduate of Athens High School, Simmons now returns to his alma mater to lead the development of the Firehawk pitching staff.
"Coming back to UT Southern is a special opportunity for me," said Simmons. "This program gave me so much during my playing career, and I'm excited for the chance to give back. Being able to share what I've learned through college and professional baseball and help our pitchers reach their goals is something I'm passionate about. I'm looking forward to getting to work with this group."
The additions of Siniard and Simmons further strengthen a UT Southern program that continues to build on its tradition of success while investing in the growth and development of its student-athletes.
"We're proud to bring back two former Firehawks who care deeply about this university and this baseball program," Chaney added. "Their experiences, relationships, and commitment to excellence will have a tremendous impact on our student-athletes and help move our program forward."
Siniard and Simmons will begin their duties immediately as the Firehawks prepare for the upcoming season.
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