Monte Coleman, Washington NFL Legend and Coach, Dies at Age 68

Remembering Monte Coleman: NFL Icon and Influential Coach

Monte Coleman, an acclaimed linebacker known for his impactful career with Washington and his subsequent role as a head coach at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, has passed away at the age of 68. Both the Commanders and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) confirmed his death on Sunday, though the cause has not been made public.

“Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history,” remarked Josh Harris, the Commanders’ controlling owner. “He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses having played for all three Super Bowl-winning teams. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold.”

Born on November 4, 1957, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Coleman began his football journey as a walk-on at Central Arkansas. His talent was soon recognized when Washington drafted him in the 11th round in 1979. Over his remarkable 16-year tenure with the team, he participated in 215 regular-season games, a feat only surpassed by Hall of Famer Darrell Green.

Coleman was a stalwart in Washington’s defense, earning a place in the team’s Ring of Honor and ranking second in franchise history for solo tackles. Charley Casserly, the general manager at the time of Coleman’s retirement in 1995, noted, “He may not have invented the position of nickel linebacker, but he rose it to a level which has not been seen since.”

Following his illustrious NFL career, Coleman transitioned into coaching. He became the linebackers coach at UAPB and later took on the role of head coach after the 2007 season. During his decade-long leadership, he guided the team to a Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012.

Chris Robinson, UAPB’s athletic director, praised Coleman’s influence, stating, “Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB. Excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes. His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day.”