Ball State University Athletics
Men's Basketball Announces Staff Changes
September 08, 2009 | Men's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State men's basketball head coach Billy Taylor announced Tuesday that Bob Simmons has been promoted to associate head coach and Mitch Gilfillan has been hired as the director of basketball operations heading into the 2009-10 season. Gilfillan replaces Matt Laur who was named assistant coach at SIU-Edwardsville last week.
Simmons is entering his third season at Ball State and his eighth year as an assistant coach under Taylor dating back to their time at Lehigh. He played a pivotal role last season as the Cardinals claimed a share of the Mid-American Conference West Division title.
"Bob has been an essential member of our coaching staff both on and off the court," Taylor said. "His work ethic, commitment and passion for our student-athletes and their experience is outstanding. He has been a tireless recruiter for Ball State and continues to represent the program with class and integrity. He is a proven leader on our staff with the ability to handle any tasks directed to him. I am proud of what he has accomplished and what he will continue to do in the future for our program."
Simmons has been instrumental in spearheading Ball State's recruiting efforts in his time here. Last season, the Cardinals' staff brought in eight newcomers and the class was ranked in the Top 80 in recruiting classes by hoopmasters.com, marking the only MAC team rated that high. Among last year's recruiting class was MAC Freshman of the Year Jarrod Jones (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City), who Simmons tutored to one of the top freshman campaigns in Ball State history. Jones finished third all-time in Ball State history among freshman in rebounding at 227 boards and fourth all-time in freshman scoring at 346 points
"I am extremely honored and humbled that coach Taylor has named me associate head coach," Simmons said. "He and I have been together for eight years and to work side-by-side with him in any capacity is a great experience. This is a great honor for me and my family. I am very thankful to my family for their support, for coach Taylor's confidence in me and the opportunity that Tom Collins and Dr. Jo Ann Gora have given us. I look forward to working with coach Taylor, the staff and administration to make Ball State basketball the best it can be."
During his time at Lehigh, Simmons helped Taylor to the Patriot League championship and a bid into the 2004 NCAA Tournament. He spent two seasons as the head coach at Delaware Valley College and four seasons as an assistant coach at Lebanon Valley College. Simmons earned his bachelor's degree from Wilkes in organizational communications and secondary education in 1993. He and his wife Deb have two daughters, Hanah and Isabella.
Gilfillan, a Morton, Ill. native, was a four-year letterwinner for Taylor and Simmons at Lehigh University. During his career the Mountain Hawks posted a 69-50 record, including a 20-11 mark his sophomore year as Lehigh claimed its first ever Patriot League regular season and tournament championship, which led to a berth in the 2004 NCAA Tournament. He left Lehigh as part of the all-time winningest class in Mountain Hawk basketball history.
"I am excited to welcome Mitch to our coaching staff," Taylor said. "As someone who played for me for four years, I have had the opportunity to see him grow as a player and as a person. He always had a strong passion for basketball and we are fortunate to bring him to our staff. He will bring excellent knowledge, leadership and hunger to his position. He will make a positive impact on our program and be a tremendous asset for our student-athletes."
He earned Patriot League All-Rookie honors as a freshman when he led the league in three-point shooting during conference action. As team captain during his senior campaign, he helped Lehigh post the third most wins in school history with a 19-12 mark, including a school-record 11 Patriot League victories. He led the Patriot League with the highest assist/turnover ratio as the Mountain Hawks' starting point guard.
"I am honored and excited for this opportunity at Ball State," Gilfillan said. "Coach Billy Taylor and his staff run a first-class organization and provide championship-caliber leadership to this university. As part of the staff, I look forward to helping Ball State men's basketball reestablish its rich tradition."
Gilfillan also received numerous awards off the court at Lehigh as he earned the Undergraduate Merit Award, Outstanding Service Award, Coaches Awards and the Southside Booster Award. He graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He earned a Juris Doctor from Valparaiso School of Law in 2009 and was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society, the executive board of the Trial Advocacy Team and represented the law school on the 2008-09 steering committee.
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