The New Orleans Saints community is in mourning following the passing of Dan Simmons, who served as the Saints’ head equipment manager from 1973 to 2014.
Do you see the time span? It’s more than four decades, which is why he was also celebrated as a Saints legend, affectionately called “Chief.” Their Chief passed away at the age of 78 in his hometown of St. Louis, leaving behind a legacy of excellence for the organization.
Dan Simmons oversaw the team’s equipment needs for an incredible 858 games, including preseason, regular season, and playoff games. He worked through 14 different head coaches and helped the team win its historic Super Bowl XLIV victory.
After retiring as head equipment manager, he spent 10 years as an alumni/legends coordinator for the team, using his many contacts to help the organization.
Saints mourn the loss of Dan Simmons 🙏
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 29, 2025
“Chief” served as the team’s head equipment manager from 1973-2014: https://t.co/kiQfZ0SdbN pic.twitter.com/LgwEA5f0LA
The New Orleans Saints shared their sadness after his passing, tweeting, Our thoughts are with Elaine and the Simmons family as we have suffered a significant loss with the passing of Dan. He played an integral role in the daily operations of the equipment room and locker room.”
He added, “Dan was a proud New Orleans Saints and touched the lives of thousands of players, coaches and staff members throughout his tenure, making significant contributions to this franchise. He will be greatly missed.”
However, the specific cause of Dan Simmons’ death has not been publicly disclosed.
Saints community grieves the loss of Dan Simmons
While remembering him and his years of selfless hard work, the Saints community released their grieving statement online, with fans also sharing respect for the long-time legend.
@FrederickDelk commented, “Serving 41 years as the New Orleans Saints’ head equipment manager is a longer tenure than most individuals spend working for the federal government. In contrast, the average career span of a professional football player is only about two-three years.”
Serving 41 years as the Saints' head equipment manager is a longer tenure than most individuals spend working for the federal government. In contrast, the average career span of a professional football player is only about two-three years.
— BlackAmericanHomeland (@FrederickDelk) March 29, 2025
@ChiefsLocker_ noted, “RIP 🙏”
RIP 🙏
— LOCKER 🔑🇵🇸🔴🟡 (@ChiefsLocker_) March 29, 2025
@Saints tweeted, “Former New Orleans Saints players, staff remember Dan ‘Chief’ Simmons, a ‘connector on so many levels’.”
@SleeperSaints offered, “Rest in peace” to Dan “Chief” Simmons.
Rest in peace to Dan “Chief” Simmons, the Saints head equipment manager from 1973-2014. He passed away today at the age of 78. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/LJdwDeJ4xl
— SleeperSaints (@SleeperSaints) March 29, 2025
@JeffDuncan_ tweeted, “Sad news…”
Sad news…
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) March 29, 2025
Longtime former Saints equipment manager, Dan Simmons, dead at 78 https://t.co/YeiPmBnF8t via @nolanews
