Ryan Simerson is in his fifth season on the University of Illinois staff and his second as an assistant secondary coach in 2025. He started with the Fighting Illini as a football analyst in 2021 before moving into a defensive quality control role in 2022 and 2023.
In his first season as assistant secondary caoch, Simerson developed a defensive backfield that was a key factor in the growth of the Fighting Illini's defense. The defensive unit helped the Illini to a 10-3 record, tying the program's single-season wins record, and a final ranking of #16 in the AP Top 25. The season was capped by a 21-17 victory over #14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in one of the biggest bowl wins in program history, as the secondary helped hold the Gamecocks to 14 points under their season scoring average and South Carolina's second-lowest scoring output of the season. The Illini ranked fourth in the league with 12 picks during the regular season, and according to PFF, Illinois’ defense posted a coverage grade of 87.8 on the season, ranking 23rd nationally.
Simerson helped Illinois to an 8-5 record in 2022. The Illini were ranked in the AP Top 25 for five straight weeks, reaching as high as No. 14, and were ranked in the College Football Playoff rankings for the first time in school history. Illinois led the nation in scoring defense (12.8) for the first time in program, led the nation and set a school record in interceptions (24), and ranked third in total defense (273.5). The Illini also ranked in the top 10 in the nation in total defense (3rd, 273.5), rushing defense (10th, 99.8), fewest first downs allowed (7th, 199), and third down defense (9th, 30.1%).
Simerson helped Illinois to a pair of road ranked wins in 2021. The Illini won at #7 Penn State in nine overtimes, the longest game in college football history, and won at #20 Minnesota, the program’s first ever win over a College Football Playoff ranked opponent.
Previously, Simerson worked as a student assistant at his alma mater, Carroll University, for two seasons. He was on the Carroll football team before joining the staff.
Simerson graduated from Carroll with a bachelor’s degree in sports and recreation management, while also minoring in coaching.
