Purdue announces former high school coach as new OC for matchup vs. Wisconsin

Purdue head coach Ryan Walters named analyst Jason Simmons his team’s new play-caller entering Saturday’s matchup with the Wisconsin Badgers.

The information came as Walters met with the media for his game-week press conference on Monday. It follows the program’s decision to fire former offensive coordinator Graham Harrell after Saturday’s 28-10 loss to Nebraska.

Purdue enters Saturday’s game in Madison, Wisconsin with a 1-3 record after three consecutive losses to Notre Dame, Oregon State and Nebraska, respectively. The team is averaging just 21.8 points per game, ranked No. 106 in the nation. That total plummets to 12.6 when Week 1’s 49-0 win against Indiana State isn’t considered.

The Boilermakers are hoping the move to Simmons as the play-caller will help redirect the offense in the right direction. The unit has talent — headlined by QB Hudson Card and RB Devin Mockobee. It needs to find a rhythm, or the losses will continue.

Simmons joined Purdue as an analyst this season after spending 2023 as running backs coach at Miami (OH). He was previously the head coach at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, Indiana from 2018-22, that after holding the same role at Noblesville High School from 2016-18.

His resume lacks any significant college football coaching experience. His one year at Miami (OH) in 2023 is his only at the college level.

Wisconsin and Purdue will kick off at noon ET, 11 a.m. CT in what is nearing a must-win for both programs.

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