[2] He signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and spent two seasons with the team before retiring due to a number of injuries.

After two seasons at Idaho State and another at East Central Community College as a defensive line coach, Bates re-joined Grass at Jacksonville State as his defensive line coach.

[4][5] He was shown to have made an immediate impact, earning praise from other Clemson assistants, including defensive coordinator Brent Venables, taking an already-loaded defensive line led by Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence to new heights as Wilkins, Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell, and Austin Bryant all earned either All-American or first-team ACC honors in Bates' first two seasons.

[10][11] Bates and his wife La'Tesa have four children; Angel, Josiah and twin daughters Star and Summer.

[3] While at Alabama, Bates began writing poetry and has had his poems showcased on t-shirts as well as murals.