Despite a lost season at 5-9, the New York Giants may want to keep head coach Tom Coughlin around for one more season.
New York's back-to-back wins over the last two weeks have shown that the players are still willing to fight for their coach. That may be enough to stave off Coughlin's retirement party just a little longer.
"A source told The Post several weeks ago Coughlin's return at the time was '50-50,'" wrote Steve Serby of the New York Post. "It has since become crystal clear that the Giants are fighting to the end with Coughlin.
"'99.9 percent he's back,' a source familiar with the club's thinking told The Post Sunday night."
There are other reasons to keep Coughlin around as well. Most notably, a lack of quality head coaching options.
"And who would be the next Coughlin," wrote Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News. "...Some of the biggest names (Cowher, Jon Gruden) have been out of football a long time. And the biggest name of all - Jim Harbaugh - seems a little too volatile for New York and the Giants organization...There's no Chip Kelly-like candidate in college who everyone is convinced will succeed in the pros. And while there are plenty of excellent assistants worthy of a chance, some of the hot names are retreads."
Retaining Coughlin for another season or two maintains the stability this organization always strives for, while also allowing them time to groom offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo for the job, should they choose that route.
However, none of this means that Coughlin is a lock to return. It is possible he'll choose to call it a career after this year.
"(3-2 odds on returning): This season was all about restoring Manning, and that has not been a failure," ESPN's Mike Sando wrote. "Despite the struggles of the team, Manning has put together a strong season to this point. Will Coughlin get another offseason to address the defense? Will he want one?"
As the NFL's oldest coach at 67, it's unclear if Coughlin still wants one.
