If Matt Simon is so good why is he still at Minnesota?
1. He graduated from Farmington, MN HS...he's home.
He's married, he has two boys. Living here is probably a pretty big factor to his family.
2. Loyalty. PJ Fleck was Simon's WR position coach at Northern Illinois. Simon was good enough to sign with the New Orleans Saints.
PJ left NI to Rutgers. Left Rutgers to coach Tampa Bay Bucs...Simon moved into Rutgers after PJ left...coincidence?
Prior to Rutgers PJ left Northern Illinois and Simon started his coaching career returning to Northern Illinois after a year chasing the NFL..
PJ got the Western Michigan job and hired Simon to be his WR coach in 2014. They have coached together for 10 years. They have worked together off and on for 17 years. These guys are connected.
3. Security. Simon makes $600,000 in his position with the Gophers. PJ's buyout is $10,000,000 in 2023. Simon is secure. IF PJ leaves any time soon, it seems likely Simon will have the opportunity to make even more money following PJ. If PJ stays...these two guys have a bond and Simon is still at home working his way toward a million dollars a year.
4. Accolades. Coached two NFL 1st Round WR's in Corey Davis and Bateman. Tyler Johnson and Braverman from W Michigan were also drafted. Coached 5 All Big Ten WR's.
So, we could make the argument Simon could have left/leave but would it be the best decision for his family?