After 28 years in the program, however, Sims said it is time to let someone else coach his beloved Indians.
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Sims has resigned his position as the Indians’ head coach after three seasons, citing a need to rest both mentally and physically.
“You know, I have been coaching a long time. I believe there is a time for everyone to step back, and this is the best time for me to turn it in,” Sims said. “And honestly, I enjoyed being an assistant coach much more than being a head coach.”
Sims compiled a three-year mark of 27-44 (15-33 in the Greater Miami Conference), but according to athletic director Mark Harden, the numbers don’t tell the story.
“I thought (Sims) did a fine job,” Harden said. “He did as good as anybody with the cards he was dealt. Obviously we are not as talented as we have been in the past. We were not as successful on the court as would have liked, but that doesn’t minimize the impact (Sims) had on the program.”
Sims began his career as an eighth-grade coach, working his way up coaching for past Fairfield legends Ron Chasteen, Dave Bauer and Tim Austing.
“You want to be an assistant for someone you want to work for,” Sims said, acknowledging his deep friendship with all three, especially Austing. “We get in this for the kids. When you are not sleeping at night and can’t fix the things you need to fix, then it doesn’t become fun. When the stress outweighs doing it for the kids, it is time to get out.”
Harden emphasized this was Sims’ decision and said the Indians have already posted the job internally.
Fairfield typically taps coaches from within, hiring Sims, Austing, Harden and John Cecere in the past 10 years, but Harden said the school isn’t opposed to looking outside as well.
“We have posted inside,” Harden said. “If we can’t find the right internal candidate and have to go outside, we will form a small committee. But that is looking ahead.”
Sims has enjoyed his time at Fairfield and said he will miss it.
“I think it is a good job,” Said Sims, who will remain as assistant athletic director at the high school. “I have been blessed to coach great kids and I got the chance to coach in one of the best leagues in Ohio, but it is time to do this. It is time for me to move on.”
Sims said Harden wasn’t surprised by the move. The duo work side by side and Sims said Harden could see the job was wearing on him.
“We had so many conversations I felt like he was assistant coach,” Sims said. “(Harden) wants me to feel good about it, and I do. It is time, that is all I can say. It is time.”
Sims didn’t rule out a return to coaching, but at this point, he is content to cheer for the Indians from the stands.
“My family is at every football and basketball game,” Sims said. “That isn’t going to change. We will always be at the games cheering the Indians.”
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