PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Monte Coleman, the tough, long-serving linebacker who helped Washington win three Super Bowls and later guided the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as a coach, has died at 68. UAPB and the Washington Commanders announced his death Sunday; no cause was given.
Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris praised Coleman as one of the franchise’s all-time greats, calling him a cornerstone of the team’s championship defenses whose durability and leadership defined what it meant to play for the Burgundy & Gold.
Coleman was born Nov. 4, 1957, in Pine Bluff. He walked on at the University of Central Arkansas and was selected by Washington in the 11th round of the 1979 draft. He spent his entire 16-season NFL career with the same franchise, appearing in 215 regular-season games — second in team history behind Hall of Famer Darrell Green — and finishing among the franchise leaders in solo tackles. He is honored in the team’s Ring of Honor.
At his 1995 retirement, then–general manager Charley Casserly observed that Coleman may not have invented the nickel linebacker role but elevated it to a level not seen since, noting his influence on the position.
After retiring as a player, Coleman returned to his hometown program, joining UAPB’s staff as a linebackers coach and becoming head coach after the 2007 season. He led the Golden Lions for a decade and steered them to a Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012.
UAPB athletic director Chris Robinson said Coleman embodied the values the university seeks: excellence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to developing student-athletes, leaving a legacy measured as much by lives he impacted as by championships and honors.