New York Giants: Thank you, Tom Coughlin

After 12 seasons, numerous wins and two Super Bowl victories, Tom Coughlin will end his tenure with the New York Giants

According to numerous outlets, including NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Tom Coughlin resigned as head coach for the New York Giants

Unfortunately, Tom Coughlin’s last game as the head coach of the Giants didn’t end the way anyone wanted to.

As was the story the whole season, the Giants blew a lead in the second half and failed to recover down the stretch.

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This marks the third straight season the Giants will finish with a losing record, as constant injuries and poor drafting has plagued the team. New York looked like a broken team at times, failing to

However, the past three seasons don’t resemble the type of coach Coughlin was.

Coughlin took over as the head coach for the then-expansion Jacksonville Jaguars, and he guided them to the AFC Championship in only the franchise’s second season of existence. Things eventually went sour in Jacksonville, and Coughlin was brought in to replace Jim Fassel following the 2003 season.

He brought a new culture with him, and quite frankly, that’s exactly what the team needed. However, the culture was an unknown one and it didn’t come without its growing pains.

Coughlin brought a militant attitude and demanding philosophy with him. He emphasized firm, fair, honest demanding. His personality and methods irked some of the veterans on the team, including Giants legend Michael Strahan.

Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin in a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

“We had a coach who came in and who was, at that point, a complete tyrant,” Strahan said, on the 2007 edition of NFL Film’s America’s Game. “Basically, he treated you like you were a child.”

The firm, fair, honest demanding Coughlin brought to New York saw quick results, as the team won the NFC East in Coughlin’s second year at the helm. The Giants regressed in 2006, which was a year that featured a late-season collapse and a feeble playoff appearance.

After the ’06 season, many wanted Coughlin gone. His philosophy didn’t seem like it was the right fit for a quarterback who sparsely spoke.

Coughlin showed a lighter side in 2007, and he even took his players bowling. He was a different coach that year, and his players responded.

Obviously, New York went on to win the Super Bowl that year, and while the play of the defense was stellar, the way Coughlin’s men rallied around him was outstanding. The climax of that magical season was when the team was 0-2 on the brinks of an 0-3 start and a possible mid-season coaching change.

The team stepped up for their coach, though, making a stop on fourth down and saving the season.

2007 wouldn’t be Coughlin’s only Super Bowl victory, as the team once again rallied around him in 2011. Prior to the team’s second championship, Coughlin had to endure two miserable seasons. In 2009, his team started 5-0, but finished with an 8-8 record.

In 2010, the Giants blew a 24-point lead to the Eagles and lost on a walk-off punt return. The writing seemed to be on the wall for Coughlin.

But like he had done once before, Coughlin motivated his guys to play their asses off. The turning point in that season was the team’s week 16 game against the Jets. The Giants didn’t lose another game all season.

It wasn’t just the wins, though. During that time Coughlin met with leader Justin Tuck who was dealing with personal issues, as well as physical ailments.

That’s what made Coughlin a tremendous coach. He was able to motivate his players both on and off the field. In 2015 he was the oldest coach in the NFL, but he was still able to connect with his players in a way in which guys like Chip Kelly could not.

Coughlin cares about and respects his players, and they return the sentiments in spades. Leading up to Coughlin’s departure, there was an almost eerie feeling among the players. For guys like Eli Manning who have known Coughlin for so long, the change is strange.

I've never seen Eli Manning this emotional. Today, fought back tears. Of Tom Coughlin: "He def has not failed these players. We failed him."
— Kim Jones (@KimJonesSports) January 4, 2016

The players didn’t outwardly discuss Coughlin’s future, though, as I’m sure he instructed the team to focus on the game ahead.

Odell Beckham Jr. said he did not know of any decision on Tom Coughlin's future: "I love Coach Coughlin. He's always going to be my coach."
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) January 4, 2016

For every meltdown and every late-game or late-season collapse, Coughlin dealt with the tough New York media like an absolute pro. He always knew how to handle himself regardless of whether he was discussing his second Super Bowl victory or explaining why he didn’t choose to run the ball in the crucial moments of a game.

The best way to describe Coughlin and his legacy is to call it ‘professional.’ That’s what Coughlin was when he entered the league, and that’s what he’ll leave it as.

He’s going to get enshrined in the Giants Ring of Honor, and his career should end with a bust in canton. If you’re discussing the best Giants coaches of all-time, Coughlin is right up there with Bill Parcells.

The departure of Coughlin sets the Giants on a path of uncertainty. New York will have to find someone to fill a position Coughlin’s has handled since 2004. Chances are the team won’t be able to get a coach with the same track record as Coughlin. But that should be expected.

For non-Giants fans, Coughlin will likely be remembered best by his last year and the disappointing finish. However, Giants fans will remember him for countless wins, two Super Bowls and even more memories.

So thank you, Tom Coughlin. New York will always love you.

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