Charles Bates (American football) facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1934 |
| Playing career | |
| c. 1955 | Alabama A&M |
| 1957–1958 | Fort Meade |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1963–1965 | Kentucky State (defensive coach) |
| 1966 | Southern (defensive coach) |
| 1967–1969 | Kentucky State |
| 1972–1977 | Southern |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 43–42–3 |
| Bowls | 1–0 |
Charles Adams Bates, born around 1934, is a well-known former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Kentucky State University and Southern University. Bates helped his teams achieve important wins during his coaching career.
Early Life and Playing Football
Charles Bates grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. He played college football at Alabama A&M College. This school is now known as Alabama A&M University.
After college, he played for the Fort Meade football team. This was in 1957 and 1958 while he was serving in the United States Army. In 1959, he even signed with the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL).
Coaching Career Highlights
Bates started his coaching journey at high schools. He coached at West Highland in Fayette, Alabama and Westfield in Birmingham.
He then became a defensive assistant coach at Kentucky State University. A defensive coach helps players stop the other team from scoring. After three seasons there, he moved to Southern University in 1966 for the same role.
After one year at Southern, Bates returned to Kentucky State. This time, he became the head football coach. He led the team from 1967 to 1969.
In 1972, Charles Bates became the head coach for Southern University's football team. His first season there was a bit tough. But after that, his teams had some great years.
- In 1974 and 1976, his teams won eight games each season.
- In 1975, Southern University won nine games! They also shared the championship title for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
- That same year, they won the Pelican Bowl game. They beat the South Carolina State team.
Bates stepped down as coach during the 1977 season. Overall, his coaching record was 43 wins, 42 losses, and 3 ties. He also had one bowl game win.
