“I’m better for that”.
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It showed in the audience in front of him.
Following his announcement, many of Coughlin’s current and former players paid homage to their coach; the most emotional of which came from Justin Tuck, who credits his former coach with helping him to become a man. “That’s what motivates and inspires us”.
Mara said the team would like Coughlin to come back in an advisory role.
Tom Coughlin is the only head coach Eli Manning has ever played for in his 12 seasons in the NFL.
As for Reese, Mara insisted that he knows what the expectations are: “He knows we’re not impulsive and we don’t make rash, illogical decisions”.
Clearly the question was related to Saints coach Sean Payton (although no names were named), a former Giants offensive coordinator and prime candidate to replace Coughlin should the Saints be willing to let him walk for some light (second round?) compensation. Spagnuolo will get his chance later this week.
“I met with John Mara and Steve Tisch this afternoon, and I informed them that it is in the best interest of the organization that I step down as head coach”, Coughlin said in a statement released by the team.
Best of luck to Coughlin if he wishes to stay in the league, but please stay the heck away from the AFC East.
On Monday, Coughlin announced he would be leaving his post of 12 years with immediate effect following the 35-30 defeat to Philadelphia Eagles.
“Jerry knows this is on him”.
“It’s a combination of things”, Reese said. “You can’t hide from your record”. And you might be retiring from coaching but I’m sure this isn’t a goodbye.
The Giants lost six games this season either in the final 1:14 or in overtime.
“He’s got a great football mind and loves what he’s doing and a great passion”. “We expect to do that”. He was tough, he was a disciplinarian but he also had his players’ backs.
“Coach Coughlin is always Coach Coughlin”, Pierre-Paul said. Coughlin was moved by the comments, and he took time to address Manning, who joined the Giants the same year as he did. “It’s just time. I think he realized it more so than anybody else”. Eli, it’s not you, it’s not you. We win, we lose together.
“You have to keep building the roster, but when you have 25 guys on injured reserve, depth is hard to find”. That’s the way it is.
Coughlin, who finished with a regular season record of 102-90 and went 8-3 in the postseason, took NY to the playoffs five times, winning three NFC East titles, Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI.
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With all that in mind, smile when you think of The Coughlin Era. We’ve been friends a long time, and I’m sad, but I’m happy because it’s a new adventure.
