The Swedish striker was seen as one of the biggest flops in the Premier League after joining the Trotters in a £10million plus move from Toulouse.
Elmander grabbed just 11 goals in his first two seasons at the Reebok Stadium and was always on the periphery under former manager Gary Megson.
But Coyle has given the 29-year-old a lifeline this year and the powerful marksman has rewarded his boss by finding the net three times in five league games after being a feature of Bolton's campaign so far.
And the Whites tactician admits he had a lot of sympathy for his striker in his time of crisis
"Strikers are always judged on goals. Johan was playing ever so well but wasn't scoring," said Coyle, who will be hoping the Elmander can out-do in-form counterpart Dimitar Berbatov when Bolton host Manchester United on Sunday.
"I had a good long chat with him, I know that side of things. You have just got to stay true to your belief in yourself. It's great that he has come out the other side.
"I went through the same thing when I went from Motherwell to Dunfermline.
"They bought me to help them stay up - but I didn't score and when the two teams met on the final day both supporters were booing me.
"But I came back mentally stronger and got the goals that brought the club back up the season after. I try to impart that to Johan. You come through if you believe in what you are doing.
"He is a top player and also such a lovely human being. Now he is really enjoying playing for the club, the fans and the manager.
"Johan was knocked from pillar to post in the last couple of years. But now the fans sing his name even when he is warming up - they recognise what he is doing.
"You just have to ask his team-mates what he does for them. He works so hard, but was just putting himself into positions and not taking chances. The keeper would save them or they wouldn't go in.
"Now he is a real goal threat - and there are more to come. If you keep knocking the door will burst open for you. He has done it through his mental strength and character."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk