Former Auburn great and eight-year NFL veteran Kendall Simmons was named the offensive line coach at his alma mater in November 2022.

A two-time First Team All-SEC and All-American offensive lineman at Auburn, Simmons returned to the Plains as an offensive analyst in January 2019 and assumed that role for nearly four years before becoming offensive line coach.

The 2001 SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, Simmons started 36 games for Auburn from 1997-2001 and was a member of a pair of SEC Western Division Championship teams in 1997 and 2000 and a co-championship team in 2001.  

Following his collegiate career, Simmons was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft and went on to play seven seasons in the yellow and black. He was named the team’s Rookie of the Year in 2002 and won Super Bowls XL and XLIII with the organization during the 2005 and 2008 seasons. Simmons retired after playing the 2009 season for Buffalo and New England. 

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2003, Simmons has played an active role in the diabetes community and has served as a motivational speaker for children and adults with diabetes across the country.

A native of Ripley, Mississippi, Simmons graduated from Auburn with a degree in graphic arts in 2001. He married the former Celesta Henry in the summer of 2002, and the couple has four children, Kensley, Laila, Olivia Pearl and Tyce.