Tom Coughlin, the face of the New York Giants franchise since 2004, will not return in 2016.
Coughlin released the following statement on Monday:
“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 a not a sad occasion for me. I have spent 15 years with this organization as an assistant and headcoach 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.”
On Sunday, before their final game, Jay Glazer noted that Coughlin planned to "ride off in the sunset." Now that report appears to be true.
However, Schefter noted this isn't necessarily the end for Coughlin,
Coughlin, who got this first head coaching job in 1991 with Boston College, led the B.C. program for three seasons (1991-1993). His success there, including a win over No. 1 Notre Dame in his final season with the team, propelled him into the head coaching job with the NFL expansion's Jacksonville Jaguars. Coughlin spent eight seasons leading the Jags franchise, until he was dismissed following two straight 6-10 finishes in 2002. His best season in Jacksonville was in 1999 when the Jags went 14-2 before losing to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC title game.
In 2004, Coughlin took over the Giants, and in his second season leading the franchise, led the team to an 11-5 finish. Four years into his tenure, Coughlin led the team to a Super Bowl XLII title, where they knocked off Bill Belichick and the Patriots, who were looking to cap off the first undefeated season in the NFL since the 1972 Dolphins. That title was followed by another Super Bowl win in 2011.
Ironically enough, Coughlin won more games in 2005 (11) and 2008 (12) than he did during either of the seasons he brought the Lombardi trophy to New York.
Coughlin has put together back to back six-win seasons, and the franchise will now look for a new leader for the first time in over a decade.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.