The general manager position on college football staffs is a growing phenomenon, and Vanderbilt is one of those programs that is embracing the changing nature of personnel evaluation.

New coach Clark Lea made one of the more interesting hires of the coaching carousel cycle this go around with the hiring of Barton Simmons, who was previously the director of scouting at 247Sports. Simmons will be general manager and director of personnel at Vanderbilt.

In a statement about the moved posted to social media, Simmons thanked 247Sports, CBS and the NBC All-American Bowl for giving him one of the best jobs in the world.

“It was going to take something truly special to pull me away,” he said, then referred to his new position. “It’s a leap of faith, but one that I take with total conviction. I love the city of Nashville, I have a deep belief in the potential of Vandy football and I know that Coach Lea’s vision, culture and character are foundational elements that are going to propel this program to new heights. We are going to build something special. Come be a part of it.”