Nick Coates brings veteran, hybrid-secondary value to Chattanooga
In the 2025 season, Nick Coates gave Chattanooga a versatile, experienced defensive-back piece after transferring from Eastern Illinois, where he logged 35 games, 119 tackles, 12 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. He’s a compact, physical defender at 5-foot-9 who can play nickel or safety, which gives the Mocs flexibility in coverage and run support. The big swing factor is health: his 2024 season ended early with injury, and another injury limited him at Chattanooga in 2025. When he’s right, he looks like a tough, assignment-sound fit for an aggressive secondary.
