Career Summary

Michael Coats is a cornerback who finished his college career at West Virginia.

Also listed as Michael Coats Jr., he played at East Central Community College and Nevada before joining West Virginia and then the Cleveland Browns.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

Early Life

Coats has Mississippi roots.

West Virginia lists his hometown as Louisville, Mississippi. He is the son of Michael Coats Sr. and Latisha Steele and has two sisters.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

High School

Coats attended Biloxi High School.

His college and NFL biographies report that he did not play football in high school.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

College Career

Coats progressed from junior college to Nevada and West Virginia.

He played at East Central from 2020 through 2022, then spent two seasons at Nevada. In 2024, he led Nevada with four interceptions and 17 passes defended.

He transferred to West Virginia in January 2025 and started all 12 games, recording 30 tackles, seven pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

Path to the NFL

Coats entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent.

Cleveland signed him on May 9, 2026, after his final season at West Virginia.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

NFL Career

Coats spent the 2026 preseason with Cleveland.

The Browns signed him to their practice squad on September 3, 2026.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

Career Accomplishments

Coats earned first-team All-Mountain West recognition at Nevada.

His 2024 season also brought first-team Group of Five All-America recognition from HERO Sports and honorable-mention All-America recognition from College Football Network. He graduated from West Virginia in December 2025 with a bachelor's degree in integrated studies.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15