Born and raised in Cork, Coughlan first played with Ballyphehane side Joseph Plunkett's that won city under-13 hurling and football titles, however, following an objection to an overage player, were not awarded medals.
[5] His underage career began as a dual player and he was part of the Nemo minor teams that claimed a double of county titles in 1970.
[6] After claiming the Munster SCFC title his season ended with further honours when Nemo beat St. Vincent's in the 1973 All-Ireland club final replay.
[7] Coughlan was again part of the Nemo team that won the 1974 Cork SFC title, however, his side were subsequently beaten by University College Dublin in the 1975 All-Ireland club final.
[9][10] He was appointed team captain in 1977 and ended the season with a fourth Cork SFC winners' medal after a defeat of St. Michael's in the final.
After losing four stone in weight and spending a prolonged period of time out of the game, Coughlan fought his way back fitness to reclaim his position on the team in 1981.
After captaining both teams to their respective Munster Championship titles he was dropped from the starting fifteen for the 1971 All-Ireland minor hurling final against Kilkenny, a move which resulted in protests by the Nemo Rangers club.