On 19 June 1977, Coughlan captained the Cork senior hurling team for the second time in his championship career due to the absence of the named captain Martin O'Doherty for the 4-13 to 3-11 defeat of Waterford. He claimed a fourth Munster Championship medal on 10 July 1977 following Cork's 4-15 to 4-10 defeat of Clare in the final. On 4 September 1977, Coughlan lined out at left wing-back when Cork qualified to play Wexford in a second successive All-Ireland final. He ended the game with a third winners' medal after the 1-17 to 3-08 victory. Coughlan ended the season by once again being named on the All-Star Team while he was also selected as the Texaco Hurler of the Year.