Monte Coleman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Monte Coleman

Coleman in 2015
No. 51
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1957-11-04)November 4, 1957 Pine Bluff, Arkansas, U.S.
Died:	April 26, 2026(2026-04-26) (aged 68)
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	242 lb (110 kg)
Career information
High school:	Pine Bluff
College:	Central Arkansas (1975–1978)
NFL Draft:	1979 / Round: 11 / Pick: 289
Career history
Washington Redskins (1979–1994) Arkansas–Pine Bluff (2003–2005; LB) Arkansas–Pine Bluff (2006–2007; DC) Arkansas–Pine Bluff (2008–2017; HC)
Career highlights and awards
3× Super Bowl champion (XVII, XXII, XXVI) NFL combined tackles leader (1980) 80 Greatest Redskins Washington Commanders Ring of Fame Southwestern Athletic Conference champion (2012)
Career NFL statistics
Tackles: 1,002 Sacks: 49.5 Interceptions: 17
Head coaching record
Regular season:	40–71 (.360)
Player stats at PFR

Monte Leon Coleman was a famous American football player and coach. He was born on November 4, 1957, and passed away on April 26, 2026. Monte played as a linebacker for 16 seasons with the Washington Redskins in the National Football League (NFL). His career with the Redskins lasted from 1979 to 1994.

After his successful playing career, Monte Coleman became a respected football coach. He was the head coach for the Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions. During his time as a coach, he led his team to a major championship in 2012. He also won three Super Bowls as a player with the Redskins.

Monte Coleman's Football Journey

Playing College Football

Monte Coleman started his football journey in college. He played for the Central Arkansas Bears from 1975 to 1978. At first, he played as a safety. Later, he changed to the linebacker position during his senior year.

He was a standout player, setting a school record with 22 interceptions. An interception happens when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player. Monte was the first player from Central Arkansas to be chosen in the NFL Draft. The Redskins picked him in 1979.

Becoming an NFL Star

Monte Coleman joined the Washington Redskins in 1979. He played for the team for an amazing 16 seasons. This means he played in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s! He played in 217 games for the Redskins, which is the second-highest number in the team's history. Only Darrell Green played more games.

Monte was known for his strong defensive play. He recorded 49.5 sacks during his career. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. He also had 17 interceptions.

Super Bowl Champion

Monte Coleman played in the Super Bowl four times with the Redskins. He helped his team win three of these championships. These victories were in Super Bowl XVII, Super Bowl XXII, and Super Bowl XXVI. Winning a Super Bowl is one of the biggest achievements in professional football.

Monte Coleman's Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Monte Coleman continued his passion for football as a coach. He worked at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He started as a linebacker coach and also served as the team chaplain.

In 2007, he became the head football coach for the Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions. His greatest coaching success came in 2012. He led the Golden Lions to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship. They defeated Jackson State 24–21 in a thrilling game. That same year, his team also won a national championship for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His overall coaching record was 40 wins and 71 losses.

Monte Coleman's Personal Life

Monte Coleman lived in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He shared his life with his wife, Yvette, and their three children. His son, Kyle, also became a professional football player. Kyle played for the Los Angeles Chargers. Monte Coleman passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 68.

Honors and Awards

Monte Coleman received many awards and honors throughout his life:

• In 1993, he was named to "the all Madden Team" by legendary coach John Madden.
• Washingtonian Magazine recognized him as the Washingtonian of the Year in 1996.
• He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
• In 2003, he was honored as one of the 70 Greatest Redskins players.
• He received the Elijah Pitts Award in 2007 for his lifetime achievements in athletics.
• On December 20, 2015, Monte Coleman was enshrined into the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame. This is a very special honor for players who have made a huge impact on the team.

Coleman (with his former head coach Joe Gibbs) during his induction into the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame on December 20, 2015.