 Coleman remained as understudy to Paddy Barry over the next few seasons and claimed his first silverware when he was sub-goalkeeper when Cork defeated Limerick to secure the 1971-72 National League title.Later that year he won his first Munster Championship medal as a non-playing substitute after Cork's 6-18 to 2-08 defeat of Clare in the [1972 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Munster Senior Hurling Championship|1972 Munster final]] and was also included as a panel member when Cork suffered a 3-24 to 5-11 defeat by Kilkenny in the 1972 All-Ireland final.Coleman won a second National League winners' medal after Cork defeated Limerick by 6-15 to 1-12 to claim the 1973-74 title.