He played college football at Minnesota, and was selected by the Giants in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft.

[3] He became a starter at outside linebacker going into his sophomore season and was named honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference after leading the Golden Gophers with 11.5 for a loss and 6.5 sacks.

[6][7] Coughlin was named second-team All-Big Ten again as a senior after making 49 tackles with 9.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks.

[8] Coughlin was selected by the New York Giants in the seventh round with the 218th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

[11] In Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, Coughlin recorded his first career sack on Tom Brady during the Bucs’ 25–23 win.