[1] Cofer was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and grew up in the city's Mechanicsville neighborhood.
[2] Following his senior season, he was named to the Parade All-American team, and was the number one recruit in the state, with offers from 50 schools.
In 1979, he played in all eleven games, registering 27 tackles (11 solo) and a fumble recovery.
[4] Cofer played in 10 games in 1981, registering 94 tackles (53 solo) and a blocked punt.
[6] Phil Cofer was a member of the Florida State Seminoles men's basketball team.
[10] Diagnosed with amyloidosis in 2007,[6] Cofer died in Fayetteville, Georgia, on March 21, 2019, at the age of 58.