Richard Coughlan (2 September 1947 – 1 December 2013)[1][2] was an English musician, best known as the drummer and percussionist of the Canterbury scene progressive rock band Caravan.

Later Coughlan joined the Sea Cadets where he first played bugle and then marching drums, moving up the ranks to the position of lead drummer.

"[1] In 1966, through a friend from the Sea Cadets, Coughlan met up with Hugh Hopper, the bass guitarist of the Canterbury progressive rock band The Wilde Flowers.

[1] Caravan's brand of art rock emphasised Coughlan's drumming, which enabled him to contribute to some of the band's compositions, including the 19/8 time signature on the "A Hunting We Shall Go/L'Auberge du Sanglier" song suite for For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night.

The success of their performances and the sales of a subsequent live album prompted the band to reform, although this time on a part-time basis.