Monte Coleman became the 19th head football coach in Arkansas-Pine Bluff history on November 19, 2007 and immediately began working to return the Golden Lion football program to the upper echelon of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Coleman’s story is truly a remarkable one. Despite not playing high school football, Coleman walked-on at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and became the first Bear in UCA history drafted into the professional football ranks.

He played safety his first three years in college before being converted to the linebacker position as a senior. He set a school record with 22 interceptions and became the first player from UCA drafted into the NFL when the Redskins chose him in the 11th of the 12 rounds of the 1979 NFL Draft with the 289th overall selection.

Coleman played for the Redskins (and in the NFL) in parts of three decades: the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s. On the all-time list of games played as a Redskin, Coleman is currently second having played in 217 games, Darrell Green is first. He is one of only three men to play at least 16 seasons with the franchise, along with quarterback Sammy Baugh (16) and Green (20). Coleman’s 56.5 sacks are the team's fourth-highest all-time total.

In addition he played in the Super Bowl 4 times, winning three: Super Bowl XVII, Super Bowl XVIII, Super Bowl XXII, and Super Bowl XXVI. The Pine Bluff, AR native, was named as one of the 70 greatest players in Redskin history and was he was also named to the All-Madden Team in 1993. He is both a University of Central Arkansas Athletic Hall of Fame and Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame member. He also has received UCA’s highest honor – the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

He was elected and featured in the Washingtonian Magazine as a recipient of the Washingtonian of the Year Award in 1996. In 1999, he was selected by Sports Illustrated as one of the top 50 athletes in Arkansas sports’ history. In 2007, Coleman was recognized by the Washington Redskins during their 75th Anniversary Legends Program. The Redskins selected the “Top 22 Players” in the franchise’s history and Coleman was among those honored.

The Redskins' policy since Sammy Baugh's retirement has been to not retire numbers. However, some numbers are unofficially retired and are usually withheld from being assigned to new players and Coleman’s Number 51 is one of a handful of such numbers.

Coleman’s volunteer work is as impressive as his professional career. He has served as the honorary chairman for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, honorary chairman for the United Way and former he was a former representative on the District of Columbia (DC) area Boys and Girls Club.

After coaching the linebackers during his first three seasons (2003-‘05) on the Golden Lions’ staff, Coleman spent the last two years serving as the defensive coordinator. Under his tutelage, the Golden Lion defense has become one of the most feared units in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. In 2007, junior linebacker Tim Turner was second in the SWAC in total tackles with 122 and junior defensive end Ledarius Anthony was second in sacks (8.5), despite missing two games during the season. The Golden Lions also finished the year ranked third against the rush, holding their opponents to just 117 yards rushing per contest.

Prior his arrival at UAPB, Coleman was a full-time minister. He and his wife, Yvette, have three children, Jasmie, Kyndall and Kyle.

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