Owasso’s Zachary Simmonds
VYPE Magazine editor Brad Heath caught up with Owasso Rams offensive coordinator Zachary Simmonds to learn more about the guy who has the Rams offense rolling this season.
VYPE: Coach, when and where did you start your coaching career?
Zachary Simmonds: I started my coaching career 17 years ago in Plano, TX where I coached for seven years.
VYPE: As the offensive coordinator, what’s the biggest challenge you face on gameday?
ZS: One challenge I face before kickoff is the waiting. I am always ready to get the ball kicked off and the game going.
VYPE: What have you enjoyed most about this 2024 group of players?
ZS: There are so many things I have enjoyed about this 2024 group. They are a very close group who like being around each other and they really do not care who gets the credit. They also are a very talented and intelligent group with a lot of experience, so it allows us to do a lot of different things offensively. One of the core values of our program is toughness and this group has shown it all year and that is something I am also proud of.
“ ”VYPE: Do you have a coaching mentor or someone who inspired you to get into coaching?
ZS: My grandfather and my dad have been big influences on my career and life in general. My grandfather was a long-time high school coach in Oklahoma and my dad was a multi-sport athlete and played college baseball. Both men mentored me and took the time to teach me about the game which inspired me to get into coaching.
VYPE: What should a player expect from a Simmonds coached offense?
ZS: Players in our offense should know that we are going to be aggressive, creative, play fast, and have fun. They should also know that they are going to get coached, and we are going to do our absolute best to maximize their talent and knowledge of the game.
VYPE: Away from football, what can I find coach Simmonds doing with his free time?
ZS: Away from football, I am usually chasing around my 9-year-old twins at some sporting event. We also enjoy traveling and seeing new places when we get the chance.
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