Born on 3 July 1946, in Glasgow. Councillor Coleman attended St Joseph’s The Good Shepherd, St Paul’s and then St Jude’s Primary School and St Mungo’s Senior Secondary.
After leaving school, worked mainly in the construction industry and then the railways.
Joined the Labour Party in 1982 and became Councillor for the Barlanark Ward in 1989.
Elected a Bailie in 1995, Councillor Coleman served two terms as Chair of the Licensing Board from 1992 to 1999 as well as serving on Housing, Parks and Recreation and Economic and Industrial Development Committees.
Made a JP by the Secretary of State in 1998.
Councillor Coleman was elected to the position of Executive Member for Land and Environmental Services in May 2010 having previously served as Deputy Leader from May 1999 and is also the Chair of East Community Health & Care Partnership. Chair of Glasgow Community & Safety Services, Chair of Community Planning Partnership, Chair of Greater Easterhouse Regeneration Agency and Chair of Greater Easterhouse Arts Company.
Councillor Coleman and his wife Marion married in 1971 and have three children, Thomas, Christine and Mary.