In early June 2011, rumours circulated of a potential move for Coles to Exeter City. A few days later, on 11 June 2011, he moved to League One Exeter. His debut for the Grecians came on 6 August 2011 in a goalless draw away at Stevenage. Later that month, on 24 August 2011, he was a part of the Exeter side that hosted Liverpool in the second round of the League Cup, suffering a 3–1 defeat against the Premier League club.