Corey Coleman, a Baylor football legend, is now making waves as a coach—albeit with an unexpected twist. After years of terrorizing Texas Christian University (TCU) as a star wide receiver for the Baylor Bears, Coleman is now coaching the wide receivers for his former rival. The 2025 transition from player to coach brings an exciting new chapter in Coleman’s football career, as he joins the TCU coaching staff as the assistant wide receivers coach under head coach Sonny Dykes.
A Storied Career at Baylor
Coleman’s college football career at Baylor was defined by dazzling performances and unforgettable moments, particularly against TCU. He was a crucial part of one of the most potent offenses in college football during his time in Waco, Texas. His most memorable performance came in the 2014 season when he helped lead the Bears to a thrilling 61-58 victory over TCU. Coleman had 144 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions in that game, a performance that was a hallmark of his ability to dominate opposing defenses.
The following season, Coleman continued to shine, earning the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s best wide receiver. He finished his college career with 74 catches for 1,363 yards and 20 touchdowns in his senior year, making him a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, selected by the Cleveland Browns. His college stats, along with his leadership and game-changing abilities, solidified him as one of the top receivers in Baylor history.
Transitioning from Player to Coach
After several years in the NFL, where he played for the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills, Coleman retired from professional football in 2024. Despite stepping away from playing, his passion for the game remained strong. Recognizing that coaching could be his next great challenge, Coleman shifted his focus to the coaching ranks, and in a move that might surprise some, he accepted a role at TCU, a school that had once been one of his fiercest rivals.
Although many might have assumed that Coleman would join Baylor’s coaching staff, the opportunity to coach at TCU presented itself, and he embraced it. Joining TCU’s staff as the assistant wide receivers coach was a natural next step in his career. Coleman brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will prove invaluable to TCU’s receiving corps, which has produced multiple NFL Draft picks in recent years. Under his tutelage, the Horned Frogs’ wide receivers will surely benefit from his first-hand experience as an elite player in both college and the NFL.
A New Role at TCU
For Coleman, joining TCU represents both a professional and personal growth opportunity. Reflecting on the unexpected nature of his new role, he admits that it still feels surreal. “I have a whole lot of guys that I’m friends with from TCU, and everyone’s like, ‘oh yeah, you belong in the purple,’” Coleman said with a laugh. It’s a dramatic shift for a player who once dominated the TCU defense but now finds himself coaching up the very players who will face off against his old team in future matchups.
His decision to become part of the TCU coaching staff also signifies the bridging of old rivalries, a common theme in the world of college football. While his time at Baylor will always be part of his legacy, Coleman’s new role with TCU demonstrates the power of football to transcend competition and create meaningful relationships, both as a player and as a coach.
Looking Forward
As an assistant wide receivers coach, Corey Coleman has the chance to make a lasting impact on TCU’s football program, using his years of playing experience to teach and mentor the next generation of wide receivers. His transition from a feared competitor to a respected coach highlights the dynamic nature of football and the continuous evolution of former players as they move into coaching careers.
For TCU, landing a coach with Coleman’s pedigree could be exactly what the program needs to further elevate its wide receiver group and build on its recent success. For Coleman, it’s an opportunity to shape young athletes and continue his football journey in a completely new way. While the rivalry between Baylor and TCU will continue, Corey Coleman’s role at TCU is a testament to the evolving nature of college football—where past foes can come together to help build future success.
