Mike Leach confirmed on Wednesday recent speculation that outside receivers coach Dennis Simmons will be taking a similar position at Oklahoma.

The Football Brainiacs first reported last week that Simmons was a candidate for the vacant position at OU. Leach was asked about it during today's signing day press conference and confirmed that Simmons will be leaving the Cougars. Simmons has long been a Leach protege, serving as his chief of staff at Texas Tech and as a receivers coach.

He is highly-regarded as an assistant and has seen stars such as Michael Crabtree, Lance Lewis and most recently, Vince Mayle develop under his tutelage.

Shortly after Leach's press conference Simmons spoke with Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports and explained that the decision to move was good for him both professionally and personally:

"... this is an opportunity I couldn't pass up. My 5-year-old daughter (who lives Arlington, Texas) will only be a couple-hour drive away now and my wife's family will be much closer. It's an opportunity for me to have both of my kids grow up around each other and for my wife's mom to be able to watch her grandson. I never had a father in my household. My mother played the role of both parents in the household. Personally, this is very important to me.

The Cougars now once again have a vacant coaching position but without the deadline of an impending signing day. 

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