In the autumn of 2009, a Europa League campaign was used to give Coleman and Shane Duffy minutes to continue their education. A memorable win against AEK Athens set the duo on their way to their goal of establishing themselves at their first stop in England.
It is a credit to their longevity that they are still in the football news cycle fifteen years later, given the ridiculously high dropout rate in their cutthroat profession. Either way, Coleman and Duffy are success stories; they have beaten all odds to play at the highest level of the game and represent their country in a major tournament.
But the respective headlines they generated yesterday perhaps illustrate why one of them has lasted the course at Everton and the other has embarked on a career full of twists and turns, if you can forgive the unfortunate wording.
There isn't much to say at this point about Duffy's DUI arrest. In some ways, the basic structure of the story is self-explanatory. But for this to happen in the week of Norwich's Championship play-off with Leeds United is surprising.
You never know what's going to happen in someone's life so there is reluctance to cause an upset, but it's an embarrassing story for the 32-year-old and it's not the first time off-field matters have spilled out into the public eye. domain.
Previously, these were relatively trivial matters that could be classified as 'none of our business'; fun on a night out and the pitfalls that come with being a relatable young man who makes mistakes. Let him who is without sin cast the first stone and so on.
But this is obviously on a whole different level and a court appearance scheduled for July means it will be hanging over his head.
After a year that has seen him slip to Championship level and slide down the Irish pecking order, this is the kind of story players should avoid as they reach the point in their careers where questions naturally arise about their plans for the league. future.
It can be a challenge when the music stops, even for the most dedicated professional, and although Duffy has bounced back from low points in his career to operate at a high level, he has now placed himself in a place where assumptions will be drawn – regardless whether they are honest or not.
As news of Duffy's indiscretion broke, Everton boss Sean Dyche spoke about Coleman – an individual who has never attracted attention for matters outside of football.
He turns 36 later this year and has recovered from two long-term injuries that could have derailed those with inferior discipline.
Even if those setbacks had never occurred, Everton's constant turbulence would have tested the temperament of even the most patient of souls.
But Dyche confirmed that Coleman has expressed his desire to continue playing for another season, with his appetite for the game remaining even if he is no longer first choice.
“He has made it clear at this stage that his mentality is to keep playing,” said Dyche, who appeared to pour cold water on the idea that Everton's Premier League meeting with Sheffield United on Sunday could mean a Goodison Park farewell for the club captain.
But in addition, Dyche was asked whether Coleman could graduate to become a coach at the Toffees.
In the past he has expressed a desire to go that route.
Diplomatically, the Everton boss hinted that the ex-Sligo Rovers player has the money in the bank to decide whether he needs the hassle.
“These players are different now. Players at this level,” said Dyche, who spent most of his playing days in the lower leagues.
“You've been at a club like this for 14 years, maybe 15 years. They (players) have choices now. When I finished you had no choice, you had to do something.
The ability to go out on his own terms will be Coleman's reward for a flawless record.
He made his own luck.