The Official Website of Simpson University Athletics

Rob Harley has been the Athletics Director of Simpson University since the spring of 2023.

Prior, to Simpson, Coach Harley had been a big part of athletics in numerous colleges and universities where he specialized in football programs.  

He began his career at the University of Redlands where he spent four years as a quarterbacks/receiver coach, assistant recruiting coordinator, defensive backs coach, and tight end/tackle coach. He helped develop All-conference players and was a part of the #1 ranked defense in the SCIAC Conference.   

Coach Harley then spent one year at D2 school Azusa Pacific where he was the Director of Recruiting Graduate Business Programs and receiver/tight end coach for the football team.   

He then transitioned over to Eastern Oregon University where he spent two years as the strength coach, offensive line coach, and recruiting coordinator. He was a big part of the EOU program as he helped bring in and develop All-Conference players.  

Coach Harley found his first head coaching job at D3 school Greenville College, now known as Greenville University in Greenville, IL. He spent four years overseeing all aspects of the football program and helped develop and grow a successful program. He led the team to its first winning season in seven years (2000), developed numerous All-Conference and All-American players, made the second-only bowl appearance in program history (Victory Bowl in 2001), was a conference champion (St. Louis Intercollegiate Conference 1999), and was named the Coach of the Year in the Illini-Badger Conference (1999).   

After four years he moved over to Evangel University where he became an offensive coordinator/quarterback's coach, recruiting coordinator, and assistant professor. Coach Harley made an immediate impact as he helped develop numerous All-Conference players while establishing a high-powered offense.   

Coach Harley was given the opportunity to be a guest coach at the professional level for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League in 2010. He assisted in coaching running backs and special teams.   

He found a home in 2011 at the high school level at Calvary Christian Academy where he spent 12 years as the strength coach and quarterbacks/receivers/assistant head coach. He was an integral part at the high school level as he helped develop D1 collegiate talent.   

Coach Harley graduated in 1992 from the University of Redlands with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Physical Education. After completing his undergraduate studies, Harley graduated in 1995 from the University of Redlands with his Master of Arts degree in Education Counseling.   

Coach Harley and his wife are happily married and reside in Redding, CA. They have two children, Annie who is 28 years old and Tommy who is 20.