Yes there will be a coil of copper in there but quite likely the reason why he replaced it was because the coil in those style systems (heat exchange) develop pinholes that cause the system to constantly overflow. This will mean tracking that hole down and brazing/soldering it up before it is any use as an immersion chiller.
If he just replaced for something more modern for the sake of it than it should be fine will just need a good acid bath.
To be honest though, unless you have cutters, benders and possibly an oxy/acet set-up already I would just take it to a scrap merchant who will probably give you $20 for it that you can put towards a nice new clean coil. ....
.... Former plumber.....
