Charles Edward Coates, Jr. (August 13, 1866 – December 27, 1939) was an American academic, chemist, and player and coach of American football. He was the third faculty member with a PhD in Louisiana State University's history. Coates was known worldwide for his work in sugar chemistry research and he served as the dean of the Audubon Sugar School. Coates was also the first head coach of the LSU Tigers football team. He lost the only game he ever coached in 1893 to a team composed mostly of ex-Tulane players and members of the Southern Athletic Club, 34–0.