Oliver Simmons hired as Haywood boys basketball coach

Haywood has found its new boys basketball coach.

Oliver Simmons is moving on from University School of Jackson and is taking over the Tomcats' basketball program. 

"I interviewed for the job seven years ago when Kendall Dancy got the job," Simmons said. "They reached out to me since I was interested the first time. They were showing me what is happening in the school district, and I really liked what I saw."

Haywood County Schools Superintendent Joey Hassell confirmed Simmons' hiring through a press release on Twitter on Monday. 

"Being named the MVP of the state tournament in his sophomore year and winning Mr. Basketball for two consecutive years helps him to identify with the caliber of athletes produced at Haywood High School," Hassell said via press release. "Discipline, communication, organization and hard work are cornerstones of Coach Simmons' leadership philosophy. We know that through his leadership, Haywood High School will continue to build on its winning tradition."

Simmons replaces Dancy, who resigned last month. Dancy is the only coach in Haywood High School history to win a state championship, winning the Class AA title in 2015. 

Simmons will take over a Haywood team that returns college talent like DeMarius Boyd and Markeston Douglas.

"Before USJ, I spent 11 years in public schools, mostly around Orlando," Simmons said. "This team did graduate seven seniors, so there will be some inexperience. But one part of coaching that I enjoy is the chess match — making the pieces fit together and finding the style that will suit the team best. We will play whatever style it takes to win games."

Simmons has spent the past five seasons at USJ, averaging 20 wins per season, with two Division II-A sub-state appearances.

"It was extremely hard leaving USJ, a place where my entire family was involved," Simmons said. "It was just the right time for my family.

"USJ has the opportunity to be good next year also."

Simmons will finish the year teaching at USJ, but he will be in Brownsville often with tryouts and preparing for summer workouts. 

Simmons was a freshman member of the 1996 national championship team at Kentucky. He transferred to Florida State and became a two-year starter, leading his team in rebounding.

He prepped a David Lipscomb where he won a state championship in 1993, being named tournament MVP, and was named Mr. Basketball in 1994 and '95.

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.