Coaching Staff
Liam Simmons | Head Coach
Liam Simmons was named the Men's Basketball Head Coach in May of 2020. The Australian-born, Simmons, has most recently served as the head coach of the Franklin Bulls in New Zealand's National Basketball League. Simmons joins the Cougars staff with a wealth of knowledge and passion for the game.
During the 2018-2019 season, Simmons stepped away from college basketball to focus his effort and energy on enhancing the skills of individual players at the NBA and professional level. As a skill development coach, Simmons based himself in Philadelphia and worked with several players, but dedicated his time and focus to specifically working parallel with the Philadelphia 76ers staff, supporting their coaches in the development of All-Star, Ben Simmons.
Simmons has NCAA coaching experience at the Division I and II levels. In 2018 Simmons enjoyed an opportunity to work at University of California Riverside under fellow Australian, and mentor, head coach David Patrick.
He also gained collegiate coaching experience at Southwest Baptist (MO) under head coach Clark Sheehy. Simmons spent four seasons (2014-2018) with the NCAA Division II school, earning a promotion in the final two seasons as the program's associate head coach. Before his four seasons with the Bearcats, he was an assistant coach at Nichols State (LA) during the 2013-14 campaign under head coach J.P. Piper.
In addition to his NCAA coaching experience, Simmons also made a stop for one season at NAIA San Diego Christian as an assistant coach. He also served as the head coach for the Northwest Christian High School (AZ) boys varsity team.
He earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology in 2007 from San Diego Christian. Simmons also has a master degree in Education from Australian Catholic University in Melbourne (2008).
More about Coach Simmons
- RMAC Second Team All Conference, Bradley Land, 2024-25
- RMAC Honorable Mention, Bradley Land, 2023-24
- RMAC Honorable Mention, Noah Kon, 2023-24
- RMAC Honorable Mention, DJ McDonald, 2022-23
- RMAC Honorable Mention, DJ McDonald, 2021-22
- RMAC Second Team All Conference, Ross Williams, 2021-22
- RMAC Second Team All Conference, Ross Williams, 2020-21
Davon Jackson | Assistant Coach
Davon Jackson took over as the Assistant Coach for Men's Basketball before the 2024-25 season. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, Jackson was raised in the town of Glen Burnie, Maryland. Davon grew up around the game and began playing basketball at the young age of six. He played high school basketball at Old Mill High School before going on to play two years at Monroe Community College where he served as team captain both years. From there, Davon transferred to Division II Roberts Wesleyan University where he played his final two years of college and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He then went on to earn his Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan as well.
Jackson knew he wanted to become a basketball coach since his freshman year in college, and post graduation he coached at Monroe College from 2017-2019. During his time there, Davon developed a regional player of the year, and First Team All-American as well as sending five players to the NCAA level with one going to DI, three to DII and two to DIII.
After his time coaching at Monroe, Jackson spent five years coaching at his alma mater at Roberts Wesleyan 2019-2023, and he was part of a successful program and developed many excellent players during that time. The accomplishments under Coach Jackson include developing the ECC Freshman of the Year, a pair of ECC semi-final appearances and the 18th highest scoring offense in the country.
“I am passionate about coaching because of the impact I can make on these young men' s lives through the game of basketball,” Jackson said. “I am hoping to bring my knowledge for the game, energy, passion and work ethic."
More about Coach Jackson
- RMAC Second Team All Conference, Bradley Land, 2024-25