A former Kansas City Chiefs draft pick has returned to his alma mater to potentially begin a career in coaching.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the team’s first spring practice, Rice University head coach Mike Bloomgren announced a pair of additions to his coaching staff. One of those additions was former Chiefs CB Phillip Gaines, who will be serving as a defensive assistant working with cornerbacks under CBs coach Gerard Wilcher.

“A couple of new additions that you’ll see out here today,” Bloomgren told media members ahead of practice. “One returning to Rice is Phillip Gaines, after his seven-year career in the NFL. He’ll be out here assisting with our corners.”

Gaines was drafted by Kansas City in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft under then-General Manager John Dorsey. He primarily played slot corner for the Chiefs in Bob Sutton’s defense, but he battled injuries during his time in Kansas City. They really disrupted his development and ability to be a long-term contributor to the team.

Gaines appeared in 41 games over four seasons with the Chiefs, making 16 starts and recording 100 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, 14 passes defended and one interception. He also spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns in 2018. He made his last NFL stop with the Houston Texans from 2019 through 2020.

The other addition announced for the Rice coaching staff was former Denver Broncos RB C.J. Anderson, who has been hired as the team’s RBs coach.