His career progressed with victories over established heavyweight contenders of the day, such as Fireman Jim Flynn, Alfred "Soldier" Kearns, Arthur Pelkey and Ed "Gunboat" Smith. Between October 1915 and January 1916, he twice fought Frank Moran in Madison Square Garden, with the second bout being an eliminator for who would go on to challenge new Heavyweight World Champion Jess Willard. Unfortunately for Coffey, Moran won both contests.