Career
He was formerly a player with Meadowbank Thistle and Berwick Rangers until injury forced him out of the game. He is a SJFA capped player from his time at Newtongrange Star. Coughlin started out his playing career in junior football where he is a SJFA capped player from his time at Newtongrange Star.
He signed for the club Meadowbank Thistle in 1991 where he played until 1993, before moving to Berwick Rangers until injury forced him out of the game.
He left Berwick Rangers in 1996 and joined Alloa Athletic along with Hendrie where they also lead Alloa to promotion in 1998. Street Mirren
In 1998 Coughlin joined Street Mirren and helped lead them to the championship in 2000.
He was appointed Street Mirren manager in December 2002, but results faltered and he stood down the following November. Berwick Rangers
Coughlin became Berwick Rangers manager in May 2005.
Another great run, which set a new club record of eight league wins in a row.
The months of December 2006 and January 2007 saw John awarded the Manager of the Month award again, and moved Berwick to the top of the Scottish Third Division. lieutenant was Coughlin"s third league title but the first in his own right. However, following a poor start to the 2007-2008 season, Coughlin resigned as manager.
Stenhousemuir
In 2007, Coughlin then became manager of Stenhousemuir.
He guided the club to promotion into the Second Division via the Second Division play-offs, beating Queen"s Park in the 2-legged semi-final and then Cowdenbeath in the 2-legged final in May 2009. Coughlin resigned in December 2010 after a 6–0 defeat against East Fife.
East Stirlingshire
East Stirlingshire appointed Coughlin as head coach on 30 May 2011. His first two seasons in charge saw the struggling club finish bottom of the Scottish Football League.
The team improved during the 2013-2014 season, but Coughlin declined the offer of a new contract.
Return to Berwick Rangers
After Colin Cameron was sacked in October 2015, Coughlin returned to Berwick Rangers, beginning his second spell in charge of the side in November 2015. Berwick Rangers
Scottish Third Division (1): 2006-2007 (fourth tier)
Stenhousemuir
Scottish Second Division play-off winners (1): 2008-2009 (promoted to third tier).