Michigan State football has long had a tradition of getting former players to give back in some shape or form. That has been no different for former linebacker Antjuan Simmons.
The former second-team All-Big Ten player, suited up for the green and white from 2017-2020. He can be remembered for his blunt but to-the-point post-game message for Michigan following the Spartans' win in the Big House during the COVID-19 season in 2020.
After his time playing for the Spartans was up, he sought out pro opportunities, but it never quite worked out. That led to him returning to his alma mater, in 2023 as a graduate assistant.
Simmons hasn't looked back from there, and his hard work, as he has pursued coaching, is paying off.
Spartan Insider Justin Thind, from the Spartan Tailgate at 247Sports, broke the news that Antjuan would be promoted to assistant defensive line coach.
Former MSU linebacker Antjuan Simmons has joined the program as a grad assistant, he confirmed to me.@_antjuan_ was a captain for the Spartans in Mel Tucker’s first season at Michigan State, respected for his leadership as much his play on the field.https://t.co/XsUNhf28VS
— Justin Thind (@JustinThind) March 7, 2023
That move helps the Spartans keep Simmons around, as his grad assistant role was up. Not a bad guy to keep around the program. He always played tough and hard-nosed, and for Simmons to keep working with his alma mater is a great move by Jonathan Smith.
This move comes with many other huge promotions for guys working behind the scenes for the Spartans.
Other promotions include defensive analyst Andrew Bindelglass to assistant linebacker coach and Jacob Lail who was a grad assistant working with the offensive line will be the head assistant to offensive line coach Jim Michalczik.
Cordale Gundy is also receiving a promotion to be the assistant to wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins. Michigan State has done a nice job of retaining its staff and keeping such young coaches around. They like the players who are learning what it takes.
That's only going to make them better, the players and coaches alike.
Speaking of the players.
As the early enrollees have started arriving in East Lansing, having everyone in such a position is great as the Spartans look to right the ship.