 In 2004, Bengals coverage and return teams ranked in the NFL’s top half in three of four areas, topped by a fifth-ranked kickoff coverage team allowing 19.7 yards per return.Simmons began his NFL coaching career in 1998 on the same Baltimore Ravens staff as Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis.Simmons was assistant special teams coach and assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Ravens in 1998, and he held that same role for the Carolina Panthers from 1999–2002.