Quinnen Williams makes huge prediction about Jeffery Simmons after hiring of Robert Saleh

Recently hired Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh and Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons seem to be getting along swimmingly in the early days of their working relationship. 

Meanwhile, current Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams previously had Saleh as a head coach when the two were employed by the New York Jets from 2021 through a portion of the 2024 season. During a recent chat with Jim Wyatt of the Titans' website, Williams offered a major prediction regarding how Simmons will flourish while playing under Saleh.

Will Jeffery Simmons become an award winner under Robert Saleh?

"Jeffery Simmons might be Defensive Player of the Year next year," Williams explained. "The ability he has, and the things he does well, already he is phenomenal player. And now to have the coaches around him who are going to help him even more, watch out."

Cleveland Browns star pass-rusher Myles Garrett won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award in the 2025 season after he set a new official single-season record of 23 sacks. To compare, ESPN stats show that Simmons ended this past campaign tied for 11th in the league with 11 sacks. 

As Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky noted, new Tennessee defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton previously coached Williams while with the Jets and the Cowboys. 

"I told Jeffery Simmons, having a head coach like Coach Saleh, and having a coach like AW in that room now, it's phenomenal," Williams continued. "(Coach Whitecotton) has helped me tremendously in my development in my career. The things I can do now, the things I am now doing, a lot is because of him and what he taught me. To see him with Jeffery Simmons, it is great to see."

What Robert Saleh will bring to the Titans

Shortly after the Titans hired Saleh, he promised Simmons that "we're going to talk a little s---" next season. Saleh's "all gas, no brake" mantra has made him a favorite among defensive players he has worked with.

"I think he's a phenomenal head coach, a phenomenal defensive-minded coach, and he does things right," Williams added about Saleh. "It's going to be great to have him in Tennessee – players love him, his enthusiasm, his persona, his mindset that he brings to the game. I know Jeff is going to love him."

Such love didn't result in the Jets making a playoff appearance under Saleh, but he seems confident that experience will help him be a better overall head coach this time around.