Robert Simmons

Robert Lee Simmons, affectionately known to his loved ones as “Coach,” “Bobby,” and playfully revered by his family as “Your Majesty,” passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 9, 2026, in Thornton, Colorado. He was 77 years old. While our hearts are heavy, we find profound comfort knowing he is resting in eternal peace with his Lord and Savior. Above all earthly achievements, Robert loved the Lord Jesus with all of his heart, and his faith was the anchor of his life. A true testament to his spiritual leadership, he was honored in 1998 with the prestigious Salt and Light Award (CMBC), recognizing his dedication to living out his faith and being a guiding beacon of integrity to everyone around him.

Born on June 13, 1948, in Livingston, Alabama, Robert was the beloved son of the late Fred and Annie Bell Simmons. He grew up with a deep sense of purpose, later attending Bowling Green State University where he excelled as an All-MAC linebacker. Believing deeply in the power of mentorship, he went on to earn his Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel, laying the foundation for a lifetime of molding the hearts and minds of young athletes.

Robert’s legendary coaching career spanned decades, beginning with assistant roles at Bowling Green, Toledo, and West Virginia. In 1988, he joined the University of Colorado staff under Bill McCartney, serving as the outside linebackers coach from 1988 to 1991, and transitioning to defensive line coach from 1992 to 1994. During this golden era, he helped guide the Buffaloes to three consecutive Big Eight titles and the historic 1990 NCAA National Championship. He became renowned for developing elite talent, famously mentoring Butkus Award winner Alfred Williams and All-American Kanavis McGhee.

In 1995, Robert made history when he was named the head football coach at Oklahoma State University, becoming the first African American head football coach in the history of the Big Eight Conference. He successfully revitalized the Cowboys' program, breaking a 19-year drought by defeating rival Oklahoma three times and leading the team to the 1997 Alamo Bowl. For this standout 8-4 season, he was honored as the Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year. He later brought his veteran leadership to elite programs as an assistant at Notre Dame and the University of Washington, before concluding his career by giving back locally as the head coach and a teacher at Boulder High School from 2013 to 2015.

To the sports world, "Coach Simmons" was a trailblazer, a fierce competitor, and a brilliant strategist. But to the hundreds of young men he coached over the decades, he was a fair, fatherly mentor who used the game of football to build men of deep character, discipline, and integrity.

Away from the gridiron, Robert's absolute favorite place to be was on the golf course. If he could have spent every single moment on the greens, he would have. He shared this passion deeply with his family, always eager to pass down his love for the game and share long afternoons together riding in the cart and enjoying each other's company. At home, the fierce competitor disappeared, and he was the ultimate family teddy bear, a man of few words at times, but whose presence carried an immense, loving impact.

Robert was reunited in heaven with his parents, Fred and Annie Bell Simmons; his sisters, Ann Parker and Betty Moore; and his beloved son, Nathan Simmons. His legacy of strength, integrity, and faith lives on through his devoted wife, Linda Simmons; his daughter, Lelanna Simmons; his son, Brandon Simmons; his beautiful, adored grandchildren; and a vast, loving network of extended family, former players, and lifelong friends.

We will cherish our memories forever. Rest in peace, Coach. Your race is won, and you are finally home.