University of Tennessee Athletics
Football
- Title:
- Player Development
- Phone:
- (865) 974-1234
VFL Kevin Simon returned to his alma mater in February of 2018 after a successful stint as an NFL Pro Scout.
As director of player development, Simon serves as a liaison to NFL scouts.
Most recently, Simon was a scout with the Atlanta Falcons from 2016-18, which included a 2016 NFC Championship and trip to Super Bowl LI. In Atlanta, Simon’s duties involved recommending player acquisitions by evaluating the Falcons roster and potential NFL free agents, monitoring all NFL transactions, researching possible trade opportunities, assessing player talent from other professional leagues and executing advance scouting of upcoming opponents.
Simon was also a part of the Dallas Cowboys staff as a college scout from 2009-16. He was primarily responsible for scouting schools in the Midwest. Over the course of Simon’s career in Dallas, the team acquired the following players from his focus areas: Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott (RB), Pro Bowler Jaylen Smith (LB), All-Pro Zack Martin (OG), Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence (DE), Pro Bowler Travis Fredrick (OC), Anthony Brown (CB), Jeff Heath (S), David Irving (DT) and Randy Gregory (DE).
Simon started his coaching career at his alma mater working with the linebackers as a graduate assistant from 2007-08 under then head coach Phillip Fulmer. Alongside defensive coordinator John Chavis, Simon assisted with the teaching and development of a linebacker unit that included 2008 New England Patriots first round pick, Jerod Mayo.
A former Tennessee linebacker from 2001-05, Simon was a two-time All-SEC selection. Simon was selected by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Simon utilizes his personal experiences as a successful Tennessee student-athlete and professional to connect to and motivate the student-athletes he serves in the Vols football program.
He brings unique perspective to the role, understanding the mindset and formula it takes to thrive on Rocky Top and beyond.
A native of Concord, California, Simon earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Tennessee in 2005 and went on to earn a master's in sport psychology in 2014.
