New Era Begins at Huntington as John Simon Takes the Helm

by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

Huntington High School has ushered in a new era for its football program by naming John Simon as the Raiders’ new head coach. With a distinguished career that includes playing in the NFL and coaching at the collegiate level, Simon brings unparalleled experience to the Raiders.

Simon, most recently the interim head coach at Grambling State University, has an impressive coaching resume that includes stops at Arizona State University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), and the University of Memphis.

Photo Courtesy: Grambling State Football

Simon takes over a program that finished the 2023 season with a 6-6 overall record. Under the leadership of former head coach Stephen Dennis, the Raiders earned a first-round playoff victory over Hammond before falling to eventual state champion Edna Karr. Dennis has since moved on to become the head coach at Benton High School, leaving a solid foundation for Simon to build upon.

Simon’s football pedigree is evident not only in his coaching career but also in his family. His son, Jay Simon, a standout wide receiver and alumnus of Calvary Baptist Academy, is currently a wide receiver at Louisiana Tech. His younger son, James Simon, is one of the nation’s most decorated high school running backs. Following an exceptional career at Calvary, James is set to join the University of Texas.

Photo Courtesy: On3

With Simon at the helm, Huntington is poised to continue its upward trajectory. As the 2025 season approaches, Raider Nation eagerly anticipates the impact Simon will have on the program.


Featured Image Courtesy of Sam Spiegelman on X