Very few programs have been as impressive over the last decade or so than Harding (D-II - AR).
The Bison, who just finished the 2025 campaign as the national runner up and #2 in the final polls among Division II teams, have announced a restructuring of their program aimed to "ensure long-term continuity and sustained success."
Paul Simmons, the winningest head coach in Bison football history, is going to transition to the newly created role of general manager for the program, while defensive coordinator Roddy More has been elevated to the head coaching spot.
Mote recently captured the 2025 FootballScoop Division II Coordinator of the Year Award for his work with the Harding defense this past fall.
The hand off comes after Simmons compiled an incredible 92-16 mark leading the program, one of the highest win percentages in Division II history for any head coach. He led them to the 2023 national title, and made two appearances in the national title game while also capturing four Great American Conference titles.
"We are so appreciative of Coach Simmons and the work, time, and energy he has put into leading our Bison Football program," Harding Athletic Director Jeff Morgan shared in the school's release. "We are incredibly grateful for his decision to use this next chapter of his career to help drive this program to even greater heights."
In his new role, the focus for Simmons shifts to "high-level program sustainability," the release goes on to share, where his duties will include fundraising, the management of camps, and overseeing roster management while allowing Mote and the rest of the coaching staff to focus entirely on on-field development, game planning and recruiting.
With Mote, the program's keys are being handed to a former Harding quarterback and running back who has orchestrated one of the most consistent defenses in Division II football since returning to the staff in 2016. The Bison have a record of 105-17 with Mote on the Harding sidelines, so he's intimately aware of what success for the program looks like.
Before joining the college ranks at Harding, Mote was the head coach at Harding Academy, where he went 93-12 overall and won two state titles as the program's head coach.
The school notes that an announcement on the full 2026 coaching staff will be made at a later date.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.