Located in the southern part of the county, it borders the following townships: The village of New Straitsville is located in western Coal Township.

Coal Township was established in 1872, and so named for the local coal-mining industry.

[4] Statewide, the only other Coal Township is located in Jackson 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,[5] 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.