Missouri Southern State University Athletics

MaLeik Gatewood was named MSSU Football's Safeties Coach ahead of the 2025 season.

Gatewood previously coached at Andrew College. He led the Fighting Tigers' dominant defense in Andrew College’s inaugural
season, finishing 5–2 and allowing only 15.9 PPG (4th in NJCAA). Designed an aggressive scheme focused on fundamentals, accountability, and disruptive pass defense. His defense averaged over 7 PBUs per game and delivered key turnovers in high-pressure
moments. Gatewood developed standout athletes, several of whom earned NJCAA weekly honors. Established a culture of discipline and championship-level preparation from the program’s start.

Prior to Andrew College, he led Amherst College's secondary to the top turnover production in the conference. The unit ranked fourth in NESCAC in interceptions (11)and first in interception return yards (201). Gatewood coached defensive back Luke Harmon to NESCAC All-Conference honors and D3Football.com Third-Team All-American recognition.

In 2020, he worked with the New York Giants' defensive backs staff on game plans and film prep for a unit led by Pro Bowler James Bradberry. In 2021, shifted to the linebacker unit, supporting Blake Martinez (Top-10 in NFL tackles) with pre-snap reads
and coverage awareness.

Gatewood also has served as the University of Tennessee's defensive back graduate assistant. In this role, he assisted in developing CB Alontae Taylor, who became a second-round NFL Draft pick by the New Orleans Saints. Gatewood also helped improve team pass defense ranking from eighth to third in the SEC, culminating in an 8–5 season and a Gator Bowl victory over Indiana.

Gatewood was a defensive back at Tennessee. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2019 with a bachelor's in sport and recreational management with a minor in business.