Simmons lettered three years at Clemson (2000–2002) and participated in four bowl games (Peach, Gator, Humanitarian, and Tangerine).

Simmons earned his Bachelor of Science degree in services (sports) marketing from Clemson in the spring of 2002, just 3 years after he enrolled, which is the fastest any football player has ever graduated from the university.

He initially transferred to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL for his senior season, but after being deemed ineligible to compete because FAMU was in provisional status as a Division I-A (now FBS) program, he enrolled at The Citadel, where he garnered All Southern Conference First Team honors after leading the Bulldogs to a 6–6 record (their first non-losing season in 10 years).

After one season, he was brought back to his alma mater Clemson as a graduate assistant coach, working with the quarterbacks.

Simmons accepted a position on newly hired Jay Hopson's staff at Alcorn State in the summer of 2012.

Starting a true freshman quarterback and without spring practice, the Braves finished with a 4–7 record, highlighted by wins over previous Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champion Grambling State and #1 ranked Alabama A&M.

2014 was an even better year for Simmons and the Braves, as they won the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship over Southern University, as well as being named Black College National Champions.

The team's 6-5 overall record ended the losing streak, and their 22-21 come-from-behind victory on the road over the eventual conference and Black College National Champion North Carolina A&T was the highlight of the season.

Due to a self-imposed one-year postseason ban, Florida A&M was not able to be named conference champions and was ineligible for the Air Force Reserves Celebration Bowl.

Junior edge rusher Isaiah Land led the nation in sacks (19) and tackles for loss (25.5) and won the Buck Buchanan Award as the best defensive player in FCS.

Simmons is married to the former Shaia René Beckwith (also a Quincy native) who is a two time graduate of Florida A&M University .

Simmons' father was a well-respected mechanic in the small city of Quincy, Florida where they resided, until a work related accident took his life in 1987 when Willie was six years old.

Simmons' mother was a staunch supporter of academic excellence and an accomplished math teacher in the Gadsden County School District for 28 years until chronic renal failure forced her to retire.