5 Shocking Facts About Blake Sims: From Alabama Record-Breaker To College Coach

The journey of Blake Sims, a former University of Alabama quarterback, is a compelling narrative of patience, perseverance, and a dramatic, single-season ascent to stardom under coach Nick Saban. Sims’s career is a perfect example of a player who waited his turn, transitioning through multiple positions before finally seizing the starting quarterback role in 2014, where he would go on to set a school record that stood for years. As of the current date, December 17, 2025, the latest and most significant update to his professional life is a return to the collegiate level, not as a player, but as a coach, bringing his unique experience back to the game. His story is more than just a college football highlight reel; it’s a testament to the "Process" and a source of fascination for Alabama Crimson Tide fans and football enthusiasts who remember the thrilling 2014 season. After years of post-collegiate professional play and high school coaching, Sims has recently accepted his first collegiate coaching position, marking a new chapter in his football career. This article dives deep into his biography, his record-breaking year, and the surprising turns his professional life has taken.

Blake Sims: Complete Biography and Career Profile

Blake Sims's path to becoming one of the most memorable Alabama quarterbacks of the Nick Saban era was anything but typical. He was a versatile athlete who had to prove his worth and patience before earning his shot.

• Full Name: Blake Sims
• Born: January 4, 1991
• Hometown: Gainesville, Georgia
• High School: Gainesville High School
• College: University of Alabama (2010–2014)
• College Position(s): Running Back, Wide Receiver, Quarterback
• College Highlights: 2-time BCS National Champion (2011, 2012), 2014 SEC Champion, Set Alabama's single-season passing yards record in 2014.
• Professional Career: Did not play in the NFL. Played in various leagues including the Alliance of American Football (AAF) for the Birmingham Iron and the Indoor Football League (IFL) for the Spokane Shock.
• Current Role (2025 Update): Wide Receivers Coach at the University of West Alabama (UWA).

Sims arrived in Tuscaloosa as a highly-touted athlete but spent his early years on the depth chart behind established quarterbacks like AJ McCarron. This period of waiting and position-switching—moving from quarterback to running back and even wide receiver—is a key part of his narrative, showcasing his dedication to the team and the "whatever it takes" mentality instilled by Coach Saban.

The Record-Shattering 2014 Season: A Single-Year Legend

The 2014 college football season was the year Blake Sims finally stepped into the spotlight, and he did so with historic results. After years of speculation about who would replace the successful AJ McCarron, Sims won the starting job over Jacob Coker, a decision that proved to be pivotal for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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Sims was tasked with leading a high-powered offense orchestrated by then-offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. Kiffin's scheme perfectly utilized Sims's dual-threat capabilities, allowing him to thrive as both a passer and a runner. The dynamic offense also featured future Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry and one of the greatest wide receivers in Alabama history, Amari Cooper.

The synergy between Sims and Cooper was electric, with Cooper becoming the primary beneficiary of Sims’s accurate passing. This combination helped propel the team to an SEC Championship and a berth in the inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP).

The highlight of the season for many fans was the dramatic, come-from-behind victory against LSU in Baton Rouge, where Sims led a stunning rally to win 20-13 in overtime.

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By the end of the 2014 campaign, Sims had cemented his place in Alabama lore by setting a new school record for single-season passing yards, finishing the year with 3,487 yards. This record stood until it was broken by Tua Tagovailoa in 2018, solidifying Sims's place as a single-season legend and a testament to his breakout performance.

Post-Alabama Career and The Transition to Coaching

Following his stellar senior season, Blake Sims went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of a winding professional career that saw him play in various leagues, always battling to keep his football dreams alive. His professional journey included stints in Canada, the Arena Football League (AFL), and most notably the Alliance of American Football (AAF).

His time with the Birmingham Iron in the AAF was unfortunately hampered by a hamstring injury, which ultimately limited his impact in the short-lived league. He later played indoor football for the Spokane Shock, demonstrating his willingness to compete at any level.

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The transition from playing to coaching began in the high school ranks. Sims spent time developing young athletes, culminating in a role as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy in Georgia, a position he held since at least 2023. This experience laid the groundwork for his eventual return to the collegiate level.

The Latest Chapter: Collegiate Coaching at UWA

The most significant and recent development in Blake Sims's career is his appointment to the coaching staff at the University of West Alabama (UWA). This move is a major step for Sims, as it represents his first collegiate coaching position, a significant career progression from the high school level.

Sims has been hired as the wide receivers coach for the UWA Tigers football program. This role is particularly fitting given his history as a versatile athlete who played wide receiver during his time at Alabama and his experience working closely with elite players like Amari Cooper.

Joining the UWA staff allows Sims to mentor young players and share the invaluable lessons he learned under the intense pressure of the SEC and the demanding leadership of Coach Nick Saban. His journey—from a multi-position athlete to a record-breaking quarterback and now a collegiate coach—provides a unique perspective that can greatly benefit the Tigers' receiving corps.

The move to UWA, a Division II program, is a celebrated return to college football for the former Crimson Tide standout. It signals his commitment to a long-term career in coaching and allows him to remain close to the football culture of the state of Alabama. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the lessons from his extraordinary 2014 season translate into his coaching philosophy and the success of the University of West Alabama football team.

Blake Sims’s story is a powerful reminder that perseverance pays off. He waited four years for his chance to shine as a quarterback, and now, after a varied professional career, he has earned his shot to lead and inspire the next generation of college football talent from the sidelines.