De'Rail Sims

Biography

THE SIMS FILE PERSONAL INFORMATION Birthdate: Nov. 8, 1985 Hometown: Union, South Carolina Education: Pikeville, 2010 (bachelor's in history and political science) Playing Experience: Pikeville (2006-08) Wife: Lauren Children: Amayah, Alivia COACHING HISTORY 2010: Millersville (Pa.) University, Tight Ends 2011: University of Pikeville (Ky.), Running Backs 2012: Carson-Newman, Running Backs/Video Coordinator 2013-15: Western Carolina, Running Backs/Director of Player Development 2016-18: James Madison, Running Backs 2019-20: East Carolina, Running Backs 2021-22: Louisville, Running Backs 2023: Cincinnati, Running Backs 2024-present: Tennessee, Running Backs POSTSEASON APPEARANCES 2025 Music City Bowl – Tennessee 2024 CFP First Round – Tennessee 2022 Fenway Bowl – Louisville 2021 First Responder Bowl – Louisville 2018 FCS Playoffs, Second Round – James Madison 2017 FCS Playoffs, National Runner-Up – James Madison 2016 FCS Playoffs, National Champions – James Madison 2012 NCAA Division II Playoffs – Carson-Newman updated summer 2025 De’Rail Sims, who has guided FBS top 10 rushing units in back-to-back seasons, enters his second year as Tennessee’s running backs coach. He officially joined Josh Heupel’s staff on Feb. 20, 2024. Sims has coached running backs for over a decade with successful tenures at Tennessee (2024-present), Cincinnati (2023), Louisville (2021-22), East Carolina (2019-20), James Madison (2016-18) and Western Carolina (2013-15). Sims made a strong first impressi