Coughlin is a right-handed batsman who bowls right-arm medium pace.

He was born at Sunderland, County Durham, and was educated at St Robert of Newminster Catholic Comprehensive School.

Coughlin made his debut in minor counties cricket for Northumberland against Staffordshire in 2011 MCCA Knockout Trophy.

[1] He also made a single appearance in that seasons Minor Counties Championship against Staffordshire.

[2] During the 2012 season, Coughlin made his first-class debut for Durham against the touring Australia A team at the Riverside Ground.