Atkins was a four-year starter on the offensive line at guard for UT-Martin.
Atkins began his coaching career at his alma mater, UT-Martin in 2007 working as a graduate assistant.
In 2010, he joined Itawamba Community College in Mississippi as the team's offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator.
[4] In 2020, Atkins joined Florida State as the team's offensive line coach.
[7][8] Florida State fired Atkins, along with defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans, on November 10, 2024, amid a disappointing 1–9 season.