REDDING, Calif. - Simpson University announced Tuesday its new Athletic Director, Rob Harley after an extensive, nationwide search.
 

Harley takes over as the Red Hawks director of athletics after drawing the interest of the Simpson University hiring committee because of his diverse background in growing football programs and helping spearhead growth initiatives in many programs.

Harley joins Simpson University with comprehensive experience in collegiate athletics. He has decades of experience in prep, collegiate, and professional sports, most notably Evangel University and Eastern Oregon University.

Harley received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from the University of Redlands in the mid-90s and has involvement in the American Football Coaches Association and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

 

"I am truly excited that God has called me to serve Simpson University as the Director of Athletics," Harley said, "Simpson University is passionate about continued growth while keeping Jesus at the center of everything we do. 

 

The Red Hawks have established the upward trend of student-athletes at Simpson with the additions of five sports in the past few years and most recently football in 2022 will begin with a scrimmage season in 2023. Along with the consistent expansion in the department, Harley will take over as the Red Hawks are coming off some of the best years competitively in decades.

"In Simpson Athletics, we are going to believe big and embrace excellence," Harley says, "My wife, Janice, and I are so grateful to join the Red Hawk family. We look forward to serving and partnering with the Redding Community as we pursue our vision of building champions for life."

 

Rob Harley will begin his duties effective immediately.