Former Alabama & CFL linebacker Juwan Simpson joins Buddy Stephens’ EMCC football staff

SCOOBA – Former University of Alabama & CFL standout linebacker Juwan Simpson has been named as an assistant coach on Buddy Stephens' East Mississippi Community College football coaching staff. The announcement was made this week by Stephens.

"Juwan brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding about what we are trying to do, and we are very fortunate to have him here at EMCC," Stephens said. "He is such an awesome person with a professional attitude that makes his career path the sky's the limit."

Simpson, who played collegiately for the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2003-06 span, most recently served the past two seasons as defensive line coach for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League after having starred for the franchise during an eight-year (2008-2015) playing stint with the Red and White. While on the Stampeders coaching staff, he worked with All-CFL defensive tackle Mike Rose.

"I am excited to join this great football program, which exemplifies rich tradition and an unwavering commitment to winning under the leadership of Hall of Fame Head Coach Buddy Stephens," Simpson said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a storied program and to be able to work with this talented coaching staff as we all look to contribute to the legacy of success that East Mississippi has firmly established."

Upon conclusion of his CFL playing stint in 2015, Simpson's coaching career began at the high school level in his native state of Alabama. Following a two-year (2016-18) stay as a defensive line coach at his prep alma mater, Austin High School, in his hometown of Decatur, Simpson worked two years coaching the defensive line and cornerbacks at James Clemens High School in Madison before becoming defensive coordinator at Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville. He was a part of two Class 7A area championship coaching staffs at each high school.

During his eight-year CFL playing career, Simpson was credited with 436 total tackles in 115 career games played, including 25 quarterback sacks as a three-time All-CFL Western Division selection for Calgary. He also had three career pass interceptions and eight fumble recoveries in helping lead the Stampeders to Grey Cup championships in 2008 and 2014 as well as to a runner-up league finish in 2012.

Having started all but his rookie season (2008) in the CFL, Simpson earned All-CFL and West Division Defensive Player of the Year recognition in 2010 after posting career-best numbers with 88 tackles and seven quarterback sacks along with three fumble recoveries and a 23-yard pass interception return. He then collected All-CFL West honors during back-to-back seasons in 2012 and 2013 with 88 and 56 tackles, respectively.

As a member of the University of Alabama's Walk of Fame, Simpson played for the Crimson Tide under current University of South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Shula. After redshirting in 2002, Simpson earned Freshman All-SEC honors and received the team's "Woodrow Lowe Most Improved Linebacker" Award the following year before an injury-plagued sophomore campaign. He started for Alabama during his junior and senior seasons with 64 and 73 tackles, respectively, and was a permanent defensive captain as a senior. In addition to earning Academic All-SEC honors in 2005, Simpson was the recipient of Alabama's "Derrick Thomas Community Service" Award.

Upon participating on the South team during the 2007 Under Armour Senior Bowl, Simpson signed with the NFL's Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent before opting for a CFL career.

A three-way football player and three-sport letterman at Decatur's Austin High School, Simpson garnered all-state football accolades and was a finalist for the state's 6A Player of the Year honor as an all-state basketball player. As a senior for the Black Bears, he recorded 83 tackles, including nine tackles for loss, and had three pass interceptions on defense, while catching 42 passes for 778 yards and eight touchdowns as a receiver. On the hardwood during his senior season, Simpson averaged 20.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest.

Simpson and his wife, Alena, are the proud parents of daughter, Laila (12), and son, A.J. (10).