Coached by the legendary Coach James ‘Friday’ Richards at Marietta High School. Lettered in football, track & baseball for Marietta High, Oates walked-on at Georgia Southern. Upon finishing the remainder of his education at Kennesaw State University, Coach Oates began working with his alma mater Marietta High School, coaching defensive backs and wide receivers.

Afterwards, Coach Oates left for Kell High School where he had multiple All State & All Region, wide receivers, quarterbacks, tight ends & defensive backs, and over 22 Division-1 athletes from Kell High School & other metro Atlanta programs. Along with his football background, he began a Bible study ministry for players and coaches alike and coordinated FCA at his previous schools and still continues to serve these communities.