Coach Richard Dorceus

By: Haroun Savage (NCMFC Staff)

For Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Offensive Line Coach Richard Dorceus, football has always been about growth, relationships, and making the most of every opportunity.

A first-generation Haitian-American who grew up in Orlando, FL, Dorceus originally focused on basketball. While playing for his local Boys & Girls Club and competing on his high school team, football was not part of his plans. That changed during his sophomore year when a coach approached him and explained how football could help him earn a college scholarship. Dorceus decided to give the sport a chance.

With each season, his game improved. His development eventually earned scholarship opportunities from several programs, including Howard University, Liberty University, and Tennessee State University. He chose Howard because of the reputation and experience of the coaching staff.

Dorceus immediately made an impact, starting as a true freshman. After spending his second season on a medical redshirt, he returned to start the next three years and complete a successful collegiate career.

Following his playing days, Dorceus began coaching high school football in the DMV area. During those early years, he actively sought opportunities to learn from experienced coaches. He frequently visited Howard practices, where Offensive Line Coach Kenny Ray (currently Hampton University O-Line Coach) became an important mentor. Dorceus also benefited from the guidance and support of coaches, including Alonzo Carter, Van Malone, Michael Locksley, David “YAC” Johnson, Mike Elko, Gaizka Crowley, Terry Karg, and Jack Wright.

After a difficult period that included personal and professional challenges, Dorceus returned to Florida to spend time with his brother, who was battling cancer. During that visit, the two made a promise to push each other toward their goals. Inspired by that conversation, Dorceus committed himself to improving his health and advancing his coaching career. In just six months, he lost more than 100 pounds while pursuing opportunities to move into the college ranks after spending a decade coaching high school football and teaching.

That determination led him to Monroe College and eventually to Dodge City Community College, where he helped engineer one of the most impressive turnarounds in junior college football. Working alongside Head Coach Terry Karg, Dorceus helped transform a program that had gone 3-7 into one that finished 8-3 in 2023 and captured the first bowl victory in school history with a 37-6 win over New Mexico Military Institute in the Wool Bowl. The Conquistadors closed the season on a five-game winning streak, finished sixth nationally in the NJCAA rankings, and sent numerous players to four-year programs, including 11 Division I signees.

Today, Dorceus serves as Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where the Bulldogs have established themselves as one of the nation's premier junior college programs. During his first two seasons, Gulf Coast has produced the nation's top offense in consecutive years while competing for championships and consistently developing players for four-year opportunities. The experience reinforced a lesson that continues to shape Dorceus' coaching philosophy: when a program is fully invested in player development, strength training, and creating the right environment, championship results can follow.

In 2025, Gulf Coast led the country in total offense with 466.1 yards per game and finished among the nation's highest scoring teams. Four offensive linemen signed with four-year programs following the season, including players headed to Vanderbilt, Old Dominion, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The success was built on an equally dominant 2024 season, when the Bulldogs also finished first nationally in total offense.

One aspect of the Mississippi Gulf Coast that surprised Dorceus was the efficiency of the program's practices. Most sessions last just 90 minutes, yet the Bulldogs continue to produce elite results. That experience has challenged and expanded his thinking about how practices can be structured while maintaining a championship standard.

As he looks ahead, Dorceus remains focused on continuous growth. Rather than chasing a specific title or destination, his goal is simple: become the best coach he can be and maximize every opportunity to learn.

This season, he is excited to see the progress his players have made during the offseason and watch the team come together in pursuit of a national championship.

While football has opened countless doors throughout his life, family remains at the center of everything he does. Dorceus takes great pride in being present for his daughter, whether that means bringing her around the team during the summer or making time to watch her play basketball and grow. For him, success is measured not only by wins and championships, but by the relationships built along the way.

1.888.50NCMFC | 8115 Maple Lawn Blvd. Suite 275 Fulton, MD 20759 | info@ncmfc.com