Maurice “Mo” Douglass

Maurice “Mo” Douglass was born in Muncie, Indiana, and graduated from Trotwood-Madison High School in 1982. Lightly recruited by Division I programs, he signed with junior college powerhouse Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. There, he helped lead the Red Ravens to the 1983 NJCAA National Championship and earned first-team NJCAA All-American honors. During his two seasons, Coffeyville posted a 21–2 record.

His standout play drew attention from major college programs, and he ultimately signed with coach Jerry Claiborne at the University of Kentucky. Douglass earned a starting spot after just two games and made an interception on his first play from scrimmage against Rutgers. Two weeks later, another interception set up a 36-yard field goal against LSU. In 1985, he recorded his final interception—a 43-yard return against Florida that led to a go-ahead touchdown. That season, he was selected to play in the Blue-Gray Football Classic.

Douglass was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the eighth round of the 1986 NFL Draft. In training camp, he transitioned from cornerback to safety and made an impact by recovering a fumble in his first preseason game against the Cowboys. Bears scout Brad Graves described him as “built more like a fullback” and a potential asset at strong safety. The Chicago Sun-Times praised him as a “big, strong, tough hitter” and noted he was a favorite of Coach Mike Ditka.

Douglass became the Bears’ starting free safety in 1988. A career highlight came in the 1988 playoffs when he returned an interception 47 yards to help secure a 20–12 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Over nine seasons in Chicago, he built a reputation as a reliable special teams contributor and defensive back.  After the 1994 season, he signed with the New York Giants, but injuries limited his impact over two seasons. He retired from the NFL in 1997.

In 2001, Douglass returned to his alma mater, Trotwood-Madison, as head football coach. He transformed the program by creating highlight reels, engaging with college recruiters, and taking players on campus visits. Within his first seven years, nearly 100 players went on to play college football, over a third at the Division I level. Known for his laid-back, mentoring style, “Coach Doug” led Trotwood to its first playoff appearance since 1982 in 2007.

In 2014, he became head coach at Springfield High School, turning down an offer to coach defensive backs at Vanderbilt.

At 59, Douglass returned to college and proudly earned his degree.

Some Images licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.