Frank Cotten was a graduate of Coffeeville High School and Livingston University.

Cotten returned to his roots when he accepted the head football coaching job at Coffeeville High School in 1960. He remained with the program through the 1964 season. He accepted the head coaching position at T.R. Miller High School in Brewton in 1973.

Coach Cotten contributed to T. R. Miller High School athletics for over thirty years as a coach and administrator. He coached basketball for seven years with a 128-42 record and led seven football teams to a 65-19 record and three playoff appearances.

His overall football record is 75-63-1 in 14 seasons as a head football coach.

Cotton served in administrative capacities for 14 years, including six years as the high school principal at T.R Miller. He also served fourteen years on the AHSAA District Board and six on the AHSAA Central Board where he served a term as president.