 He was consecrated by Archbishop Sir Frank Little of Melbourne on the grounds of St Patrick's Campus of Sale Catholic College (now Catholic College Sale) on 30 June 1989.The co-consecrators were his predecessor, Archbishop Eric D'Arcy of Hobart together with Bishop David Cremin, who was also a student of All Hallows.In 2003, Coffey removed Father John Speekman as priest of the parish of Morwell over allegations of bullying.