Simon returning to UT as grad assistant

Former University of Tennessee linebacker Kevin Simon is returning to Tennessee’s football team as a graduate assistant coach on the strength and conditioning staff.

“I think it gives Kevin a chance to get back in the mix of things,” strength and conditioning coach Johnny Long said.

Simon told the News Sentinel late Monday evening that he made the decision to return to Knoxville after much consultation with family and friends.

“I hit that Memphis border and it just felt good,” Simon said in a phone interview as he drove through Middle Tennessee on the near cross-country drive from California to UT. “It’s like Knoxville is where I need to be. I’m excited to get back around the guys.”

In an unrelated move, Long confirmed that Roderick Moore has resigned his position as associate strength and conditioning coach at UT and has accepted the head strength and conditioning position at Florida International.

Long said he didn’t begrudge Moore, who has turned down other offers to remain at UT for six seasons. Long said finding a replacement won’t be easy, especially for whichever school loses a coach to UT.

“It’s not good timing because somebody is going to lose a coach just before football season,” said Long, who hopes to have the position filled within three weeks.

Simon, who was at UT from 2001 to 2005, will fill the position vacated by Raasaan Haralson. Simon played in 30 games for UT, starting 29. He overcame three significant injuries during his career.

One of the highest rated high school linebackers in the nation, Simon suffered torn anterior and medial cruciate ligaments in his right knee during a high school all-star game following his senior year at De La Salle High School in Walnut Creek, Calif.

After rehab, Simon started three games and played in four at UT before suffering a broken right ankle that ended his sophomore season in 2002.

Simon started all 13 of UT’s games in 2003. He led the Vols with 115 tackles and had 4.5 sacks to tie for another team lead. In 2004, Simon started two games before another major knee injury ended his season. Simon suffered a torn ACL in his left knee but returned to form at middle linebacker in 2005, leading UT with 88 tackles.

Simon’s injuries were a concern with NFL teams as he slipped to the seventh round of the 2006 draft, where he was selected by the Washington Redskins. A sports hernia ended his brief career with the Redskins before the season began.

Simon received an injury settlement from the Redskins, then tried out for the Oakland Raiders, but failed to earn a roster spot. Simon said hasn’t ruled out another run at the NFL.

“We’ll see what happens,” he said. “I just feel like this is a good opportunity and I want to take advantage of it.”

Long said he always appreciated Simon’s passion during his UT career. Simon, who had been pursuing a career in finance, was well known for his physique and dedication in the weight room.

“I always told him,” Long joked, “when he was tired of playing around with football, he could come back.”

Mike Griffith contributed to this report.