Sammie Coates is a former professional football player and current high school head coach, recognized for his dynamic playing style and leadership on and off the field.

Born on March 31, 1993, in Leroy, Alabama, Coates played college football at Auburn University from 2011 to 2014. During his tenure, he helped lead the Tigers to the 2013 SEC Championship and a BCS National Championship appearance in 2014. Coates concluded his Auburn career with 82 receptions for 1,757 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors.

In the 2015 NFL Draft, Coates was selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over four seasons, he also played for the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, and Kansas City Chiefs. Throughout his NFL career, Coates recorded 29 receptions for 528 yards and two touchdowns. He later played in the XFL with the Houston Roughnecks and in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Elks.

Transitioning from player to coach, Coates began his coaching career at Jensen Beach High School in Florida in 2020. He then served as the wide receivers coach at Ohio Northern University in 2023 and at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in 2024. On January 21, 2025, Coates was appointed as the head football coach at Columbia High School in Huntsville, Alabama, a program that has faced significant challenges, including a 91-game losing streak. Coates is committed to rebuilding the program and instilling a culture of discipline, character, and resilience among his players.