Lamar University Athletics

Entering his second season with the program, Tyler Bates will work directly with the Cardinal running backs. Bates originally came to the Golden Triangle in August 2021 as a graduate assistant coach working with Big Red receivers and return specialists.
 
Bates made the transition to the sideline after spending several years in the business sector working for D-Bat-Mansfield, Parex USA and the LKQ corporation.
 
Bates graduated from East Texas Baptist University in May 2016. A two-sport star in college, Bates was a two-time All-American on the gridiron and conference MVP in 2015. The MVP honors came on the heels of a newcomer of the year honor as a freshman. During the spring, Bates was a three-time Gold Glove selection on the baseball diamond.
 
A former conference freshman of the year selection, Bates was selected in the 38^th round of the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft by the Los Angeles Angles. He spent one season in the Angles’ organization before earning a spot in the Colorado Rockies minor league system.