Former Cal Poly wide receiver Chris Coleman, shown against Idaho State last fall, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins this weekend.
Photo by: Owen Main | Cal Poly Athletics
Former Cal Poly Wide Receiver Chris Coleman Signs with Dolphins
4/30/2023 11:22:00 AM | Football
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Wide receiver Chris Coleman became the first former Cal Poly football player to sign with a National Football League team in three years.
Coleman confirmed Sunday morning that he had signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins during the 2023 NFL Draft, which concluded Saturday in Kansas City.
"Tears of joy and fulfillment!" Coleman said of his initial reaction to the signing. "Being able to sit back and have some whiskey, reminiscing on the past 17 years it took to get to this point.
"It just felt really good to close one chapter and open another," Coleman added.
Coleman said he and his agent agreed to the deal with the Dolphins at the end of the fifth round of the seven-round draft.
"It was set up to where, if any other team wanted me, they would have to draft me or else I agree to terms with Miami," Coleman said Sunday morning. "My agent got his side of the contract (Saturday) at about 7:30 p.m. and I spoke to Wes Welker, the receivers coach this morning."
Coleman leaves May 11 for the Dolphins' rookie minicamp and Organized Team Activities, otherwise known as OTAs, which will be held from mid-May through the first two weeks of June.
"We're excited to see what Chris can do at the next level," said Mustang passing game coordinator Erik Meyer. "Chris is a passionate football player and a great person on and off the field. Good luck from the Mustang family."
J.J. Koski, also a Mustang wide receiver, signed with the Los Angeles Rams following the 2020 Draft and spent the last three seasons primarily on the club's practice squad. Koski played in five games in 2021, returning two punts (10.0 average) and five kickoffs (17.8 avg.), and was waived by the Rams on March 10.
A graduate of Garces Memorial High School in Bakersfield, Coleman caught 60 passes for 939 yards and five touchdowns in his final college season last fall. He was the first Mustang to catch 60 or more passes in a season since Ramses Barden made 67 receptions in 2008 and Coleman's career high for catches in a game was 10 at UC Davis.
The All-Big Sky Conference honorable mention and team captain earned 100 or more yards receiving in a game five times and caught seven or more passes on four occasions. His longest reception last season was 57 yards in the season opener at Fresno State.
Coleman also was Cal Poly's top receiver in 2021 with 43 receptions for 590 yards and four touchdowns. He made a season-high seven catches in the season finale against Northern Arizona.
Coleman made 16 catches in three seasons at Fresno State and also played at cornerback, making 11 tackles in his second year with the Bulldogs.
Coleman exhibited his skills at San Jose State's Pro Day on March 22 with times of 4.51 in the 40-yard dash, 4.26 in the 20-yard shuttle and 7.10 in the three-cone drill. His vertical jump was 36 inches, his broad jump 10 feet, 7 inches and he bench repped 225 pounds 15 times.
Coleman confirmed Sunday morning that he had signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins during the 2023 NFL Draft, which concluded Saturday in Kansas City.
"Tears of joy and fulfillment!" Coleman said of his initial reaction to the signing. "Being able to sit back and have some whiskey, reminiscing on the past 17 years it took to get to this point.
"It just felt really good to close one chapter and open another," Coleman added.
Coleman said he and his agent agreed to the deal with the Dolphins at the end of the fifth round of the seven-round draft.
"It was set up to where, if any other team wanted me, they would have to draft me or else I agree to terms with Miami," Coleman said Sunday morning. "My agent got his side of the contract (Saturday) at about 7:30 p.m. and I spoke to Wes Welker, the receivers coach this morning."
Coleman leaves May 11 for the Dolphins' rookie minicamp and Organized Team Activities, otherwise known as OTAs, which will be held from mid-May through the first two weeks of June.
"We're excited to see what Chris can do at the next level," said Mustang passing game coordinator Erik Meyer. "Chris is a passionate football player and a great person on and off the field. Good luck from the Mustang family."
J.J. Koski, also a Mustang wide receiver, signed with the Los Angeles Rams following the 2020 Draft and spent the last three seasons primarily on the club's practice squad. Koski played in five games in 2021, returning two punts (10.0 average) and five kickoffs (17.8 avg.), and was waived by the Rams on March 10.
A graduate of Garces Memorial High School in Bakersfield, Coleman caught 60 passes for 939 yards and five touchdowns in his final college season last fall. He was the first Mustang to catch 60 or more passes in a season since Ramses Barden made 67 receptions in 2008 and Coleman's career high for catches in a game was 10 at UC Davis.
The All-Big Sky Conference honorable mention and team captain earned 100 or more yards receiving in a game five times and caught seven or more passes on four occasions. His longest reception last season was 57 yards in the season opener at Fresno State.
Coleman also was Cal Poly's top receiver in 2021 with 43 receptions for 590 yards and four touchdowns. He made a season-high seven catches in the season finale against Northern Arizona.
Coleman made 16 catches in three seasons at Fresno State and also played at cornerback, making 11 tackles in his second year with the Bulldogs.
Coleman exhibited his skills at San Jose State's Pro Day on March 22 with times of 4.51 in the 40-yard dash, 4.26 in the 20-yard shuttle and 7.10 in the three-cone drill. His vertical jump was 36 inches, his broad jump 10 feet, 7 inches and he bench repped 225 pounds 15 times.
Players Mentioned
WR
/ FootballNew Head Football Coach Tim Skipper's First Day On Campus
Thursday, December 11
Cal Poly Introduces New Head Football Coach Tim Skipper
Monday, December 08
Cal Poly Postgame Presser Logan Booker, Kenny Olson, Anthony Grigsby - Eastern Washington (11/22/25)
Sunday, November 23
Cal Poly Football Head Coach Paul Wulff Postgame Press Conference - Eastern Washington (11/22/25)
Sunday, November 23
