Monte Coleman, a three-time Super Bowl champion and long-time Arkansas-Pine Bluff coach, has died at 68, the school announced Sunday.
Coleman coached the Golden Lions to a SWAC Championship in 2012.
“Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,” said UAPB Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chris Robinson in a news release. “His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day.”
Prior to the coaching, Coleman, a Pine Bluff, Ark. native, played 16 NFL seasons, all with Washington, and won Super Bowls in 1982, 1987, and 1991. He tallied 1,002 total tackles, 49.5 sacks, 17 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles during his career. He was inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Fame in 2015.
We mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever suit up in the Burgundy & Gold, Monte Coleman
Our heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones pic.twitter.com/m5F1rT0mKG
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 26, 2026
“Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history,” Commanders managing partner Josh Harris said in a statement. “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.”
Coleman was selected by Washington in the 11th round of the 1979 NFL Draft out of Central Arkansas. He arrived at Central Arkansas as a walk on and became the first player to be drafted. He spent his first three seasons with the Bears as a safety before switching to linebacker and still ranks second all time in the program history with 21 interceptions.
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