Simmons hired former FDU-Florham assistant Michael Williams as its new head basketball coach. Williams was part of Marc Mitchell's FDU staff when the Devils won the national championship two seasons ago.
Director of Athletics Ali Kantor announced Williams' selection as the eighth coach in the history of the program since it entered NCAA Division III in 1984. He replaces Kristen Rasmussen Tarr who went 23-94 in five seasons with the Sharks.
"We are excited to have Michael join our staff as head women's basketball coach," said Kantor in a release. "He brings a great deal of experience in player development, national recruiting of scholar athletes and the experience of winning a national championship at FDU-Florham. All of this, in addition to his boundless energy and innovative ideas, will advance Simmons basketball quickly."
Williams was an assistant under Marc Mitchell at FDU-Florham for two seasons during which the Devils went 62-2, including the undefeated national championship season in 2014. Last season he was the head coach at USCAA member Pratt Institute where he went 7-7. The Cannoneers were winless the prior season.
Williams was also an assistant at John Jay for three seasons before moving to FDU-Florham. The Bronx, New York native graduated from LIU Post.
Simmons finished 7-18, 1-10 in the GNAC last season and won just 23 games combined over the past five seasons.