The Tom Coughlin watch began two years ago, when the Giants were mired in a losing streak they haven’t seen since winning Super Bowl XVI (46 for those non-Roman numeral folks), and haven’t been in the playoffs for the last three seasons. Giants principle owner John Mara made a firm statement at the end of last year that things had to change for Big Blue this season, or there would be ‘changes made’. Those changes came today, as the man who won two Super Bowl titles and the Giants decided it was time to actually move on.
For Giants fans, true blue Giants fans, it was a bittersweet day to say the least. Everyone knew that the end was imminent for coach Tom Coughlin, despite his continuous weekly upbeat attitude, and looking ahead to the following week’s game. The team has been finding ways to lose games in almost every fourth quarter or last few minutes of each contest. If only the games ended at the 58 minute mark, Giants fans wouldn’t be talking about this today. Instead, they would be discussing starting lineups going into the NFC Wild Card or the Divisional Series game in two weeks. All would be well in Giants world.
The reality is, Tom Coughlin couldn’t make lemonade with these lemons. The team that he had to field was less than mediocre at best, put together by general manager Jerry Reese. Injuries happened, which can’t be helped, and the defense was porous at best even when at full strength. Still, the man that has coached this team for the past 12 seasons was able to motivate and get as much as he could muster each and every week, against some of the best in the NFL. Quite frankly, he pulled a rabbit out of the hat more than once this season, despite a 6-10 record. The wins and losses don’t tell the whole story of the man, and how he coaches.
Besides a few coaches in the NFL, no one can question the commitment from Coughlin, who at a very young 69, still comes to work each day at 6:30 am, works out at the team gym, and eats, breathes, and sleeps everything Giants. Coach Coughlin has been a winner everywhere he has been – Boston College, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the New York Football Giants. To say that he has been anything other than a winner, a great coach, and a motivator, is an understatement. Like it or not, he is destined to be enshrined in Canton sometime in the near future.
Ask the New England Patriots who should have won two more Super Bowls, but the Giants got in their way – especially the year they had printed the 19-0 shirts prior to the game even starting. The same Giants that went on a tear in both playoff years, all games on the road, beating the Packers, the 49ers, and much better regular season teams. Finding ways to overcome the elements, the hostile crowds, and much more seasoned teams – Team Coughlin brought back winners to the storied New York Giants franchise.
Wellington Mara, the patriarch of the franchise, who has since passed, brought Coughlin in to ‘right the ship’, after the team faltered under Jim Fassel. Coughlin, on his first day as coach, promised to ‘restore the pride’ the Giants had been always known to display in the NFL, from the early days of YA Title and Frank Gifford. The Giants, like the Steelers, are old-time franchises, very patient with their coaches and teams, and always known to do the right thing in the league. This was not an easy decision by the younger Mara to make – but Coughlin made it easy for him – and the team. This shouldn’t surprise anyone on how classy of an act he was, when making what must have been a very difficult, if not the most difficult day for him since being a coach.
This is what Tom Coughlin had to say today:
“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. I strongly believe the time is right for me and my family, and as I said, the Giants organization.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as head coach of the New York Football Giants. This is 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.
“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.
“I appreciate the support of John and his family and Steve and his family, and of Jerry Reese and his staff. I think our organization is a great representation of what I mean when I talk about ‘team’.
“Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank my wife Judy and our four children and their spouses and our 11 (soon to be 12) grandchildren. None of this would have been possible without their unconditional love and support.”
These are words from a very humble, but proud man. The man loved his family, but more than anything loved everything about football, and for the last 12 years, the New York Giants. The pundits, and the fans who have been bashing this Hall of Fame Coach the last two years, are looking at a world of ‘what have you done for me lately.’ At some point, those who have drunk the haterade, need to ask themselves who’s going to do a better job than Coughlin for the Giants. We’ve all seen the debacle and circus across town with the Jets the last few years, and the coaching carousel around the league. Tom Coughlin brought stability and pride to this franchise, and it’s fans.
Eli Manning, the two-time Super Bowl MVP, was on the radio today, clearly emotional about the loss of the only coach he has ever known in the NFL, and one that he won’t soon forget. He took the blame for the team’s transgressions, and said that he and the other players didn’t measure up to the coach. Other Giants echoed that sentiment. They are in the trenches every day, in Tom Coughlin’s world, and most have said they wanted this man back. They didn’t get their wish. This is business – a business of winning, so today was not a parting of ways with a good man – it was to appease a fan base that is looking to bring back a Lombardi Trophy to the Meadowlands of New Jersey.
GREEN BAY, WI – JANUARY 20: Head coach Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants looks on during the NFC championship game against the Green Bay Packers on January 20, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Giants defeated the Packers 23-20 in overtime to advance to the Superbowl XLII. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
