 His one season in charge saw Glen Rovers reach the semi-finals of the 1987 Championship where they suffered a 0-12 to 0-08 defeat by Na Piarsaigh.On 11 July 1989, Coughlan was ratified as coach of the Cork minor hurling team.On 15 July 1990, he guided the team to the Munster Championship title after a 1-09 to 0-09 defeat of Clare in the final.