BREAKING: Ernie Sims Promoted To Linebackers Coach, Other Staff Changes Announced By USF Head Coach Jeff Scott

South Florida Bulls head coach Jeff Scott announced today that Ernie Sims has been promoted to linebackers coach, and that safeties coach Wes Neighbors, and running backs coach Pat White are no longer with the program.

Sims joined Scott’s staff last year as a graduate assistant and defensive analyst working alongside defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer. He and Spencer have a previous relationship from Florida Atlantic, as he was a part of the coaching staff under Lane Kiffin alongside current offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.

In college, Sims came to Florida State as the number one ranked linebacker and the number one overall prospect, receiving high praise from then head coach Bobby Bowden. He finished his career at FSU with accolades such as first team All-American and second-team all-ACC in 2004.

After an eight year career playing for the Lions, Eagles, Colts, and Cowboys, Sims retired from professional football in 2013 and started the Big Hits Foundation to mentor kids playing football.

With his promotion to linebackers coach, Spencer has moved to coach safeties. Neighbors has reportedly taken a position with Billy Napier at Louisiana, although the official announcement from that school has not happened yet.

An additional change has occurred as well, with confirmation that running backs coach Pat White is no longer with the progrum. This move was rumored over the past week, but was not confirmed until today. No announcement has been made on who will replace Pat White and coach the running back position group as of January 15th.