Tom Coughlin Steps Down As Giants Head Coach

The era of New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin came to an end today when the 69-year-old coach announced he would be resigning as head coach.

The announcement came after he had met with Giants owners to discuss the future and to see what the next step could be. This meeting came after the Giants have not made the postseason for the fourth year in a row and also recording a third straight losing season. Coughlin coached the Giants for 12 seasons and led the team to two Super Bowl championships. His final record as head coach came out to 110-92 including playoff games.

“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. “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 a 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 was announced as the head coach of the Giants in 2004, the same year as quarterback Eli Manning was drafted number one overall by the Giants, thus having Coughlin appoint Manning to the starting quarterback position. Though it was a rough road, the Giants would have winning seasons before winning their first Super Bowl in 2007 in defeating the undefeated New England Patriots. After disappointing seasons in botched playoff games, the Giants would then come around again to defeat the Patriots in 2011 to win another Super Bowl under Coughlin.

“Obviously, the past three years have not been what any of us expect, and as head coach, I accept the responsibility for those seasons,” Coughlin’s statement read. “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.”

A press conference with Coughlin, owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, and general Jerry Reese has been scheduled for tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. to officially announce the resignation.

Photo: EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JANUARY 03: Head coach Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants reacts in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)