Located in the northern part of the county, it borders the following townships: Of the three Jackson County townships that do not border another county (Franklin, Lick, and Coal), Coal Township is the farthest north.

The village of Coalton is located in central Coal Township, and part of the city of Wellston occupies the northwestern corner of the township.

Statewide, the only other Coal Township is located in Perry County.

The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[4] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.