University of Memphis Athletics
Jay Simpson Added to Silverfield’s Staff as Cornerbacks Coach
Jan 02, 2025 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Jay Simpson, former Arkansas State defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator, has been hired as cornerbacks coach, University of Memphis head football coach Ryan Silverfield announced on Thursday.
Simpson comes to Memphis after just finishing up his third season with the Red Wolves in his defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator roles, helping the Red Wolves to an 8-5 record and Ventures Bowl Championship – the best season for the program since 2019.
Under Simpson, safety Trevian Thomas earned 2024 First Team All-Sun Belt honors after recording 79 total tackles and four pass break ups to go along with five interceptions (T-No. 4 in NCAA).
"We are very excited to add Coach Simpson to our staff," Silverfield said. "He brings incredible knowledge and experience to our program."
Before his time in Jonesboro, Simspon spent six seasons in multiple roles on the UAB football staff, including the last three as the Blazers cornerbacks coach. He helped UAB win three-straight C-USA West Division titles in 2018, 2019 and 2020, along with winning the 2018 and 2020 Conference USA Championships. The championships were led in part by defenses that finished top-10 nationally in total defense for three straight years (2018-2020).
Simpson helped guide UAB to a 9-4 overall record and 6-2 mark in C-USA play in 2021 as the defense excelled, ranking 16th in the country in total defense. Under Simpson's guidance, Starling Thomas was named All-Conference USA after leading the team in pass break ups (8) and total passes defended (10) while Dacarrion McWilliams was a Freshman All-Conference selection.
In 2020, UAB finished seventh nationally in passing yards allowed per game, allowing just 173.2. The Blazers also ranked seventh in total defense, allowing opponents to gain 311.1 yards per game. UAB continued to excel in third-down defense. The Blazers ranked seventh in the country after boasting a third-down conversion percentage of just .298.
In 2019, UAB finished eighth nationally in total defense and Simpson's unit ranked eighth nationally in passing yards allowed (183.6).
Simpson joined UAB in 2016 and spent two seasons (2016, 2017) as a graduate assistant working with defensive backs. He transitioned into his role as defensive analyst for UAB's record-setting 2018 season in which the Blazers finished ninth nationally in total defense.
"I am thankful to the University of Memphis, the athletic department and Coach Silverfield for this amazing opportunity to serve," Simpson said. "I've always had tremendous respect for this university and staff. Coach Silverfield has built a winning program and culture, and I'm eager to contribute."
Prior to UAB, Simpson began his coaching career at South Alabama and spent the 2014-15 seasons with the Jags where he was quality control and worked with linebackers in 2014, and defensive backs in 2015. Simpson played his college football career at South Alabama from 2009-11 and was a two-year starter at corner. He graduated from South Alabama in 2011 with a business degree.
Simpson and his wife, Kelsey, have three daughters, Khodi, Kamden and Kassidy.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Simpson comes to Memphis after just finishing up his third season with the Red Wolves in his defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator roles, helping the Red Wolves to an 8-5 record and Ventures Bowl Championship – the best season for the program since 2019.
Under Simpson, safety Trevian Thomas earned 2024 First Team All-Sun Belt honors after recording 79 total tackles and four pass break ups to go along with five interceptions (T-No. 4 in NCAA).
"We are very excited to add Coach Simpson to our staff," Silverfield said. "He brings incredible knowledge and experience to our program."
Before his time in Jonesboro, Simspon spent six seasons in multiple roles on the UAB football staff, including the last three as the Blazers cornerbacks coach. He helped UAB win three-straight C-USA West Division titles in 2018, 2019 and 2020, along with winning the 2018 and 2020 Conference USA Championships. The championships were led in part by defenses that finished top-10 nationally in total defense for three straight years (2018-2020).
Simpson helped guide UAB to a 9-4 overall record and 6-2 mark in C-USA play in 2021 as the defense excelled, ranking 16th in the country in total defense. Under Simpson's guidance, Starling Thomas was named All-Conference USA after leading the team in pass break ups (8) and total passes defended (10) while Dacarrion McWilliams was a Freshman All-Conference selection.
In 2020, UAB finished seventh nationally in passing yards allowed per game, allowing just 173.2. The Blazers also ranked seventh in total defense, allowing opponents to gain 311.1 yards per game. UAB continued to excel in third-down defense. The Blazers ranked seventh in the country after boasting a third-down conversion percentage of just .298.
In 2019, UAB finished eighth nationally in total defense and Simpson's unit ranked eighth nationally in passing yards allowed (183.6).
Simpson joined UAB in 2016 and spent two seasons (2016, 2017) as a graduate assistant working with defensive backs. He transitioned into his role as defensive analyst for UAB's record-setting 2018 season in which the Blazers finished ninth nationally in total defense.
"I am thankful to the University of Memphis, the athletic department and Coach Silverfield for this amazing opportunity to serve," Simpson said. "I've always had tremendous respect for this university and staff. Coach Silverfield has built a winning program and culture, and I'm eager to contribute."
Prior to UAB, Simpson began his coaching career at South Alabama and spent the 2014-15 seasons with the Jags where he was quality control and worked with linebackers in 2014, and defensive backs in 2015. Simpson played his college football career at South Alabama from 2009-11 and was a two-year starter at corner. He graduated from South Alabama in 2011 with a business degree.
Simpson and his wife, Kelsey, have three daughters, Khodi, Kamden and Kassidy.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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