Billy Yates | Position Assistant, Defense

Billy Yates

Title:
Position Assistant, Defense
Email:
yates.427@osu.edu

Billy Yates joined the Ohio State coaching staff in 2025 as a position assistant for the defense, bringing a resume that spans the NFL, strength and conditioning, and multiple coaching stops at the college and pro levels. A Texas A&M graduate, Yates played seven NFL seasons with the Dolphins, Patriots and Browns, appearing in 41 games and winning a Super Bowl with New England.

After his playing career ended, Yates moved into coaching and performance work, beginning at Texas A&M before taking on strength roles at Texas Tech and Bowling Green. He also spent time with the Patriots through the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship in 2015 before moving into full-time NFL coaching work with the Detroit Lions in 2020 and the Patriots from 2021-23.

Yates started his pro career as an undrafted free agent with Miami in 2003 and later became a key reserve and spot starter for New England from 2004-08 before finishing his playing career with Cleveland from 2009-10. At Texas A&M, he was a reserve early in his career before starting 20 games over his final two seasons.