Biocompatible tissue grafts are provided. The biocompatible tissue grafts include a bulk graft including a biocompatible material and having at least a first surface. The biocompatible tissue grafts also include a coating including a hydrogel and being immobilized on the bulk graft at the first surface. The biocompatible material includes at least one of a biologic material or a biologic-synthetic composite material. The hydrogel includes cross-linked hydroxyphenyl-substituted hyaluronan (HPS-HA), cross-linked hydroxyphenyl-substituted collagen (HPS-C), or both. The cross-linked HPS-HA, cross-linked HPS-C, or both have been formed by cross-linking of hydroxyphenyl groups of HPS-HA, HPS-C, or both to form dihydroxyphenyl bridges. Also disclosed are methods for repair of tissue damage in a subject in need thereof. The methods include surgically implanting the biocompatible tissue graft into a site of the tissue damage in the subject.