January 6th, 2026 8:30am
From hardingsports.com
SEARCY, Ark. – Harding University announced a leadership restructuring for its national powerhouse football program on Tuesday, a move designed to ensure long-term continuity and sustained success.
Paul Simmons, the winningest coach by percentage in program history, will transition from head coach to the newly created role of General Manager of Harding Football. Roddy Mote, the program's longtime defensive coordinator and the 2025 National Coordinator of the Year, has been named the 14th head football coach in Harding history.
The transition retains the core leadership that has guided the Bisons to the most successful era in school history. Under Simmons, Harding compiled a remarkable 92-16 record (.852), one of the highest winning percentages in Division II history, capturing the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship, making two national title game appearances, earning two National Coach of the Year honors, and winning four Great American Conference championships.
"We are so appreciative of Coach Simmons and the work, time, and energy he has put into leading our Bison Football program," said Harding Athletic Director Jeff Morgan. "We are incredibly grateful for his decision to use this next chapter of his career to help drive this program to even greater heights."
A New Role for a Proven Winner
As General Manager, he will shift his focus to high-level program sustainability. His duties will include fundraising, managing camps, and overseeing roster management—critical components in the modern landscape of college football. This support role allows the coaching staff to focus entirely on on-field development, game planning, and recruiting.
Simmons addressed the team to emphasize his continued commitment to the program and the players he has led to 16 NCAA playoff victories.
"The absolute honor of my life has been getting to coach you, to lead you, to love you, and ultimately to walk beside you into battle," Simmons told his players. "Now I am moving into a role that will allow me to have an even greater impact on this awesome program."
Simmons made it clear that his competitive fire remains undimmed in this new capacity.
"I am going to wake up every day and fight like crazy to make sure Harding football has every single thing that it needs to succeed from a support standpoint," he added.
Harding President Dr. Mike Williams highlighted the importance of retaining Simmons' influence within the athletic department.
"Paul is so very special to the Harding community, first as a player, then as a coach, and now in his role as general manager," Williams said. "We cannot thank Paul enough for leading this team to unprecedented success on the field and in the classroom as they honor God in such special ways. At Harding, we are always in pursuit of Inspired Purpose, and Paul's loyalty, love for this University and ongoing passion for Harding Football are an inspiration to all of us."
Mote Takes the Reins
The promotion of Roddy Mote ensures a seamless transition for a team coming off a 15-1 season and a national runner-up finish. Mote is a longtime member of "The Brotherhood" who played quarterback and running back for Harding from 1984-89 and is currently in his third stint on the coaching staff.
Since returning to the staff in 2016, Mote has been the architect of one of the nation's most feared defenses. Serving as defensive coordinator since 2017, his units have led the GAC in total defense and rushing defense for seven consecutive seasons. On the national stage, Mote's defenses ranked No. 1 in Division II total defense in 2018, 2019, and 2024.
Mote was instrumental in the 2023 national championship run and was named the 2025 National Coordinator of the Year. The Bisons have posted a 105-17 record since his return to the sideline.
"Coach Mote has earned this opportunity over many years as the top defensive coordinator in all of Division II," Simmons said. "He has a clear vision for where he wants to take the team, and I have great confidence in his vision. My role is to make sure he has every resource he needs for the Bisons to compete at an elite level."
"We are really excited to announce Coach Roddy Mote as our next head coach," Morgan said. "Coach Mote is one of the most respected coaches in the country not only as a coach but as a person. He is the right person at the right time to lead our team and invest in the lives of the young men and staff in our program. We look forward to his leadership and direction for Bison Football!"
Prior to his collegiate success, Mote established a championship pedigree at Harding Academy, where he compiled a 93-12 record and won two state championships as head coach (2008-2015).
"I am excited to welcome Roddy Mote as our new Head Football Coach," President Williams said. "I know Roddy well and know he will continue to build on the amazing successes of those who have gone before him."
For Mote, the mission remains consistent with the culture established over the last decade.
"What excites me about this new role is the quality of our players," Mote said. "My goal is to empower them to help this team sustain its dominance at the conference and national levels. I know God will continue to bless this program."
An announcement regarding the full 2026 coaching staff will be made at a future date.