New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin has informed his coaching staff that the organization is making a coaching change, according to the Giants' team website. The move is expected to be called a resignation after he has served 12 seasons as the Giants' head coach, according to New York Daily News eporter Ralph Vacchiano.
Quarterback Eli Manning made it clear on Monday morning that the Giants' disappointing season was not because of their head coach. "He did a great job and he definitely has not failed," said Manning, via the New York Post. "I feel we as players, we failed him by not playing to the level that we could."
New York missed the postseason for the fourth straight season, and plenty of fingers could be pointed as to the reasons why the Giants were unsuccessful this year. Manning was clearly emotional after the news, and has spent his entire NFL career under Coughlin. The Manning-Coughlin combination brought two Super Bowls to New York, doubling its Super Bowl Trophy case.
"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," said Coughlin in a statement, via the team website. "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as head coach of 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."
Coughlin finishes his Giants career with a 102-90 record and leaves New York fans with plenty of memories. The Giants reached the pinnacle of football success under Coughlin, and he will not be an easy coach to replace in New York.
