UNLV hires former New Mexico assistant as safeties coach

UNLV has hired Al Simmons as its new safeties coach, a source close to the Rebels’ football program said Wednesday.

Simmons spent the past three seasons as New Mexico’s cornerbacks coach, a position considered one of the Lobos’ strengths. Simmons was Colorado State’s co-defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2014 and also has experience in the Pac-12 Conference and NFL.

UNLV coach Tony Sanchez wouldn’t comment on Simmons’ hiring, but said running backs coach Travis Burkett also will handle special teams.

The lone spot to be filled is the newly created 10th assistant.

Al Simmons coaching history

2015-17: New Mexico (Cornerbacks)

2012-14: Colorado State (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary)

2011: Texas-El Paso (Safeties)

2008-10: California (Defensive Backs)

2007: Arizona State (Co-Special Teams Coordinator/Cornerbacks)

2006: Arizona State (Cornerbacks)

2005: San Jose State (Cornerbacks)

2004: San Francisco 49ers (Defensive Backs)

2003: San Francisco 49ers (Cornerbacks)

2001-02: Oregon State (Defensive Backs)

2000: Dallas Cowboys (Secondary Asst.-Summer)

1999: San Diego Chargers (Linebackers Asst.-Summer)

1998-00: California (Cornerbacks)

1997: Idaho State (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)

1996: Arizona Cardinals (Secondary Asst.- Summer)

1995-96: Montana State (Defensive Backs)

1994: San Francisco State (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)

1993: Los Angeles Raiders (Secondary Asst.-Summer)

1988-93: Cal State Hayward (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)

1986-87: Cal State Hayward (Defensive Backs)

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Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.