We consider in this paper the fully coupled contact problem between a rigid cylinder and a functionally graded coating bonded to a homogeneous substrate system under plane strain and generalized plane stress sliding conditions. Employing Fourier transform, the plane elasticity equations are converted analytically into Singular Integral Equations, which are then solved numerically to yield the contact stresses as well as the subsurface stresses throughout the medium for plane strain condition. The surface stress distributions as well as the contour plots for normalized von Mises stresses are provided. The effect of the different parameters such as the non-homogeneity coefficient, coating/substrate material properties and the friction coefficient on the surface tractions and von Mises stress distributions are investigated. Also discussed, are the advantages and disadvantages of using functionally graded coatings as compared to conventional homogenous coatings. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.