Coughlin played in 11 games as a true freshman and finished the season with 25 tackles including four tackles for loss and two sacks. He became a starter at outside linebacker going into his sophomore season and was named honorable mention
All-Big Ten Conference after leading the Golden Gophers with 11.5 for a loss and 6.5 sacks. As a junior, Coughlin recorded 48 tackles and led the team with 9.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles and was named second-team All-Big Ten. Coughlin was named second-team All-Big Ten again as a senior after making 49 tackles with 9.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks. == Professional career ==