Dorceus joins Gulf Coast staff

PERKINSTON — Richard Dorceus joined the Mississippi Gulf Coast coaching staff earlier this summer to take over coaching the offensive line, and he brings an impressive coaching resume. He led a massive turnaround in the Dodge City program the previous two seasons. 

“Knowing the history of Gulf Coast and how successful this program has been, I just wanted the challenge of holding that standard,” he said. “I’m looking forward to coaching a great group of guys here.”

He was the offensive coordinator at Dodge City, leading the Conquistadors to a five-win improvement in 2023, his second season. They went 8-3 and claimed the program’s first-ever bowl victory, beating host New Mexico Military Institute 37-6 in the Wool Bowl. Dodge City ended the year on a five-game win streak and ranked sixth in the final NJCAA ranking.

There were 13 offensive players named to the All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference team, two of whom were named NJCAA All-Americans. He recruited 17 players who signed with four-year schools, 11 of whom went to Division I schools. Three of his offensive linemen signed with FBS or FCS schools.

“He was part of an incredible turnaround at Dodge City, and he was an integral part in bringing the chemistry of the players and staff together,” Gulf Coast head coach Jack Wright said. “He helped turn a very tough situation in two years into a winning situation. He comes highly recommended from a lot of people, and I think he’ll give our offensive line a fresh voice and new ways of being successful.”

In 2023, seven of Dorceus’ recruits signed to play at Division I schools, with another five headed to Division II. Four of his offensive linemen signed with FBS or FCS teams, and one was named All-KJCCC.

Dorceus coached the previous three years at Monroe College, serving as run game coordinator and offensive line coach. The Mustangs led the nation scoring 49.8 points per game in 2019, his first season. The 2021 team put together the first undefeated regular season in school history, finishing sixth in the NJCAA after a trip to the Graphic Edge Bowl. One of his offensive linemen was named NJCAA All-American. While at Monroe, 10 of his linemen signed Division I scholarships, and another eight headed to Division II. 

He started his coaching career as defensive line coach at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, Va., in 2011. His line set school records for most sacks and tackles for loss in a season. While at Hayfield Secondary, eight defensive linemen earned First Team All-Conference and All-Region spots, and two were named conference Player of the Year. Dorceus moved to Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, Md., in 2015, serving as offensive line coach. Two of his players were named to the All-State team and two were named to the Washington Post’s prestigious All-Met First Team.

Dorceus was an offensive lineman at Howard University, starting all four years. He was twice named the school’s Offensive Lineman of the Year, earning All-MEAC Second Team honors in 2005. Dorceus was team captain in the 2004 and 2005 seasons. He played his high school football at Maynard Evans in Orlando, Fla., where he was on the Orlando Sentinel Top 100 list. He was a Class 6A All-State First Teamer, and he earned All-Conference and All-District honors. Dorceus was named Leon Searcy Lineman of the Year.

Dorceus earned a bachelor’s in journalism from Howard University, as well as a master’s in education administration and policy. He completed a master’s in special education and human development at George Washington University.

He has a daughter Deserae Michelle Dorceus, 10. 

“I demand we compete at a championship level daily,” Dorceus said. “We must be physical, tough, smart, and always willing to do more if we want to earn the honor of being the best offensive line in the country.”

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