College Coleman finished his career at
Georgia Tech with the all-time leader with 28 sacks record, despite playing just three years. He earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors for his junior year, playing 11 games to record 67 tackles, 10 sacks, and one fumble recovery. He helped lead the school to a share of the national championship as a sophomore in 1990 by posting 81 tackles and 13 sacks. Coleman was named second-team All-American by The Sporting News and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Week after a 12-tackle, five-sack performance vs. Maryland. As a redshirt freshman, he started all season at outside linebacker and totaled 63 tackles and five sacks. While playing at Georgia Tech Coleman wore the number #95.
National Football League Miami Dolphins Selected by the
Miami Dolphins in the first round (12th pick) of the
1992 NFL draft, Coleman was named the NFL Rookie of the Year by Sports Illustrated and Defensive Rookie of the Year by Football News after finishing his first season with 84 tackles (61 solo), six sacks, and one forced fumble. His six sacks were the third-highest single-season total ever recorded by a Dolphins rookie. He started 15 out of 16 games and started the season at outside linebacker before moving to right defensive end for the last 12 games. He remained a member of the Dolphins for three more seasons. Coleman performed a cameo role opposite actor
Jim Carrey in the 1994 movie
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
San Diego Chargers Coleman signed as an unrestricted free agent with the
San Diego Chargers, on March 8, 1996. He played with the Chargers for three seasons from 1996 to 1998.
Washington Redskins Coleman signed with the
Washington Redskins as an unrestricted free agent June 3, 1999 and started all 16 regular season games at right end in his first season as a Redskin. He played with the Redskins from 1999 to 2001.
Jacksonville Jaguars Coleman signed with the
Jacksonville Jaguars on June 20, 2002, and started all 16 games at left defensive end in his first season as a member of the Jaguars. He only played one season as member of the Jaguars and was cut by the team after the 2002 season.
Philadelphia Eagles Coleman signed with the
Philadelphia Eagles on September 6, 2003, replacing defensive end
Derrick Burgess, who was placed on injured reserve. He played as a reserve in 13 regular-season games without a start. He only played the 2003 season as a member of the Eagles.
Denver Broncos Coleman signed with the
Denver Broncos as an unrestricted free agent on March 11, 2004, and played as a member of the Broncos for two seasons (2004–2005). He announced his retirement from professional football after the 2005 season. ==Coaching career==