The University of Tennessee Southern

Josh Simmons returns to his alma mater as UT Southern's pitching coach after a successful collegiate and professional playing career.

Simmons began his collegiate career at Martin Methodist College in 2020 and continued with the program following its transition to the University of Tennessee Southern in 2021 after joining the University of Tennessee System. During his five-year collegiate career, he was a key member of the Firehawk pitching staff and gained extensive experience competing in the Southern States Athletic Conference.

After graduating from UT Southern with a Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity in 2025, Simmons advanced to the professional ranks. He pitched for the Windy City ThunderBolts of the Frontier League in 2025 before joining the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds of the Pioneer League in 2026, gaining firsthand experience in professional player development and high-level competition.

A graduate of Athens High School, Simmons brings valuable knowledge from both collegiate and professional baseball to the Firehawks' coaching staff. As pitching coach, he is responsible for the development of UT Southern's pitchers while helping prepare student-athletes for success on and off the field.

Coaching History