New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin resigned on Monday after a fourth straight season missing the playoffs. After twelve years and 2 Super Bowls, Coughlin met with John Mara and Steve Tisch to inform them it was in the best interest of the organization to move on.
Coughlin issued a statement to the media where he took responsibility for the Giants’ shortcomings much like he did in so many postgame press conferences. “Obviously, the past three years have not been what any of us expect, and as head coach, I accept the responsibility for those seasons.I think it has been evident these last 12 years here how much pride I take in representing this franchise. I am gratified and proud that we were able to deliver two more Lombardi trophies to the display case in our lobby during that time. That is a tribute to our players and staff, and it was truly fulfilling to be the leader of those teams.”
Former and current players took to Twitter to express their love for Coughlin after he stepped down. Many expressed their desire to see him in the Hall of Fame. There’s little doubt that Coughlin may end up in Canton, but what wasn’t in any part of his statement was the notion of retirement. That announcement may come at some point and the question will undoubtedly be asked tomorrow at his press conference tomorrow, but as Black Monday for coaches comes to a close, there are plenty of vacancies around the NFL looking for an experienced head coach.
At 69-years old, he was the oldest coach in the NFL and showed no signs of giving up as the Giants closed out their season. Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports reported that a source revealed that if another opportunity presents itself, he will coach again.
The notion isn’t as ridiculous as it sounds considering one of the top candidates at every team’s list for a replacement coach would be Nick Saban at 64 years of age. One would think Coughlin would take a job it would be in a situation where he could win right now. If Chuck Pagano ends up getting let loose from Indianapolis, Coughlin would be an ideal candidate. He will get a franchise quarterback in a winnable division. The roster has holes, but remember Coughlin took the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars to 2 division titles in his tenure there before coaching a young Eli Manning to 2 Super Bowls.
New York will forever be grateful for those Lombardi Trophies and the vast majority of Giants fans are certainly sad to see him go. If he ends up on an opposing sideline, the same fans that wanted him gone may wish he never left.
Coughlin will be give a final press conference on Tuesday morning at 10:30am.