Adam Schefter reported that Tom Coughlin will be stepping down as Giants head coach. Tom’s no stranger to being on the hot seat. The previous times his job was in jeopardy, he managed to reel off unreal Super Bowl championships. Many felt 2015 would be his last season. But, after missing the playoffs for the fourth year in a row and 6 of the past 7 seasons, the hot seat was on fire.
There’s been a great deal of speculation since the Giants were eliminated from postseason contention. Even after the Giants lost another close game 35-30 to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Coughlin was unwilling to discuss his future. But, anyone who’s been following the developing situation had the sense that he would not return next season.
There were still a great deal of supporters who believed coach Coughlin had one more good season in him. Coughlin always put the blame on himself no matter what and the players appreciated that.
Inside the Loud House
Eli Manning was as emotional as we’ve ever seen him when speaking about the only professional head coach he’s ever played for. Rueben Randle, Prince Amukamara, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Odell Beckham, Jr. all voiced their unwavering support for Tom.
Then, Tom Coughlin met with Giants owners John Mara and Steve Tisch to discuss his fate this afternoon. That’s when he informed the executives that he believes it’s in the best interests of the organization if he stepped down.
A lot of people knew this day would come, but the move still tugs at the heart strings and jerks a few tears thinking about the end of an era. Even Shaun O’Hara, who’s been out of the league for several years, choked up while discussing Coughlin’s resignation on the NFL Network.
Here’s a snippet of Tom Coughlin’s official statement:
"“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as head coach of the New York Football Giants. This is a not a sad occasion for me. I have spent 15 years with this organization as an assistant and head coach and was fortunate to be part of three Super Bowl winning teams. A Lombardi Trophy every five years is an achievement in which we all take great pride.”"
You can find Tom Coughlin’s full statement at Giants.com.
We’ll miss you, Tom!