Chat with Cole Coughlin

The American teenager caught up with the Killie Magazine for Issue 1 of the 2026/27 season.

Position: Forward. 

Age: 18. 

Year signed for Killie: I joined Killie’s academy in September 2025, and signed my first professional contract in January 2026. 

Previous clubs: Austin FC (MLS), SDSC (boys clubs). 

Best memory in football: Winning the GA Cup in 2023 with Austin FC. Was just an awesome experience to captain the team to win such an important youth tournament. 

Football idol: I love Raphinha. I’m a fan of Leeds United, and the season he helped them stay up he worked his socks off every game and had the quality to keep them in the league. Now he’s cooking at the highest level with Barca. 

Biggest ambition: I would say my biggest dream is to play in the Champions League. One of the main reasons for moving here to Scotland and Europe in general was the thought of playing European football. 

Best mate in football: I’m closest with Kali Fraser in the U19s. We both joined Killie around the same time. I drive him around a lot – sometimes I feel like his personal driver! 

Biggest joker in the changing room: Archie Traynor is renowned for making the changing room laugh with his impressions. And Deasy always gets the first team lads laughing. 

Worst dress sense: I love Remo Margiotta, but he has to have the worst drip. 

Best advice you’ve ever received: ‘Even if you have what it takes, you still got to do what it takes,’ I think my dad told me this. Can’t remember, but it sticks with me when challenges come.