Oliver Simmons relieved of duties as Haywood boys basketball coach

After one season as boys basketball coach, Oliver Simmons has been relieved of his duties.

Haywood superintendent Joey Hassell announced via press release that Simmons was out as head coach and Rodney Chatman was named the new boys basketball coach for the 2019-20 season.

Chatman is the interim coach for the entire season, and then the administration will re-evaluate after the season.

According to the press release, members of the Haywood High administration, athletic director Tim Seymour, and superintendent Hassell decided new leadership and direction was needed for the HHS boys basketball program.

Simmons declined to comment on the situation.

The press release also said that Haywood County Schools appreciated Coach Simmons' time and effort over the past 16 months.

"For us, looking at team culture and the number of kids that we currently have on the overall team roster, it gave us concern," Hassell said. "Before the break, there was conversation about not completing a freshman schedule, and that is just not Tomcat basketball."

Chatman played at Haywood from 2001-04, helping the team to a Class AA state tournament appearance in 2004.

The Tomcats were 19-12 under Simmons during the 2018-19 season with an appearance in the Region 8-A quarterfinals.

Simmons coached at USJ prior to Haywood for five seasons, averaging 20 wins per season.

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Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.