 On 1 May 1985, Coughlan's side suffered a 2-11 to 0-04 defeat by Kerry in the final of the 1985 Ford Open Draw Cup.Both sides renewed their rivalry in the Munster final on 21 July 1985, with Cork losing out by 2-11 to 0-11.On 6 July 1986, Coughlan coached Cork to a second successive Munster final appearance against Kerry.