Basketball coach Dave Simmons rejoined Mike McConathy and the Northwestern State staff for the 2018-19 season, and now Simmons has been elevated to an assistant coach position, McConathy announced Friday.
Simmons coached under McConathy as an assistant for seven seasons from 1999-2006 before taking over Southland Conference rival McNeese for 12 seasons as a head coach.
All promotions must be approved by the Louisiana Board of Supervisors, of which NSU is a member.
“He knows our program so well, he knows our kids so well, and he knows exactly what is required to run a program like ours,” McConathy said. “Dave has such knowledge, and he understands players because he was a great player.
“We’re very comfortable working together, and this move makes all the sense in the world. He’s a great coach and a great man.”
Simmons has coached a total of 27 seasons in the SLC. He’s been to five NCAA Tournaments, including two of NSU’s three NCAA Tournament appearances, including the No. 14 seed Demons upset of No. 3 seed Iowa in 2006.
Simmons filled the vacancy left by assistant coach Bill Lewit, who accepted the top assistant position at UT Martin.
Two former La Tech players coaching together at NSU. Saw Simmons play in high school and a couple of times for Tech, when they came to Natchitoches to play. He was very good.
Hopefully they can return the Demons to good fortunes and go back to the Big Dance.
Glad to see Coach Simmons back on our side of the court!