Michael Coats Jr.
| No. 39 – Cleveland Browns | |
|---|---|
| Position | Cornerback |
| Roster status | Active |
| Personal information | |
| Born | June 20, 2001 Starkville, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Listed height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Listed weight | 184 lb (83 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Biloxi (Biloxi, Mississippi) |
| College | East Central CC (2020–2022) Nevada (2023–2024) West Virginia (2025) |
| NFL draft | 2026: undrafted |
| Career history | |
| |
| Awards and highlights | |
Michael Coats Jr. (born June 20, 2001) is an American football cornerback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the East Central Warriors, Nevada Wolf Pack and for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Early life and high school
Coats Jr. attended Biloxi High School located in Biloxi, Mississippi. During his high school career, he did not play any high school sports. After working at an arcade after high school, Coats Jr. joined the East Central Warriors a community college, to play college football after seeing a flyer for a tryout and making the team.[1]
College career
East Central CC
During his three-years at East Central Community College from 2020 through 2022, Coats Jr. played in 21 games, notching 38 tackles, five sacks, 19 pass deflections, and four interceptions. After the conclusion of the 2022 season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.[2]
Nevada
Coats Jr. transferred to play for the Nevada Wolf Pack.[3] In his first season with the Wolf Pack in 2023, he played in ten games, recording 13 tackles, four pass deflections, and an interception.[4] Coats Jr. had a breakout 2024 season, recording 17 pass deflections and four interceptions, earning first-team all-Mountain West honors.[5] After the conclusion of the season, he once again entered the NCAA transfer portal.[6]
West Virginia
Coats Jr. transferred to play for the West Virginia Mountaineers.[7] He finished the 2025 season, totaling 30 tackles with two being for a loss, seven pass deflections, and a forced fumble.[8]
Professional career
After not being selected in the 2026 NFL draft, Coats Jr. signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent on May 11, 2026.[9]
References
- ^ Kelly, Shannon (November 12, 2024). "From working at an arcade to an All-American? Nevada's Michael Coats takes unique journey". Nevada Sports Net. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
- ^ Murray, Chris. "After not playing high school football, Nevada's Michael Coats Jr. now an FBS scholarship player". Nevada Sports Net. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
- ^ Murray, Chris. "Nevada football's recruiting pitch includes 'develop here, get paid elsewhere' reality". Nevada Sports Net. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
- ^ Murray, Chris. "Why CB Michael Coats Jr. is Nevada football's 22nd-most important player in 2024". Nevada Sports Net. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
- ^ Murray, Chris. "Nevada's Michael Coats Jr. named All-Mountain West first team; local Ben Dooley also honor". Nevada Sports Net. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
- ^ Young, Rion. "Michael Coats Jr. talks about his unique college career and upcoming visit to Mississippi State". 247Sports. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
- ^ Halkias, Anthony. "Rodriguez Sees NFL Future for Michael Coats Jr., Compares Him to Pacman Jones". West Virginia Mountaineers On SI. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
- ^ Ripchik, Spencer. "Michael Coats shines at WVU's Pro Day, hoping to draw NFL interest". The Intelligencer. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
- ^ Nespor, Cody (May 9, 2026). "Michael Coats signs with the Cleveland Browns". WTRF.com. Retrieved May 17, 2026.