The Giants were forced to say goodbye to a legend Wednesday afternoon, when Tom Coughlin informed New York Giants ownership, he would step down as head coach in the team’s best interest. Today’s news did not come as a shock, especially after television cameras captured Tom Coughlin with his entire family in the tunnel leading to the field moments before Sunday’s game, all wearing matching Team Coughlin apparel.
Needless to say it was an emotional scene at the Quest Diagnostics Field Center when the teams final meeting of the year concluded, QB Eli Manning had tears in his eyes saying “I can’t believe that might have been the final meeting with Coach Coughlin at the head of the room.”
In an interview Jason Pierre Paul compared Coughlin to a father, also saying he was a great motivator. Even though star wide receiver Odell Beckham only played under TC for two years he was quoted as saying, “he’ll always be my coach.” The Mara and Tisch families were also saddened by Tom’s choice, and said he was as good of a person as he was a coach and made them proud having always represented the team with dignity, even in his exit.
According to Coach’s press release, he does not regard today as a sad day. He feels proud and privilege to have spent 15 years as a member of the giants staff, as both a head and assistant coach and in that time being apart of 3 Super Bowl championship teams.
Perhaps deservedly so, the players and staff seem to want to through a parade honoring what Coughlin has done for The Giants franchise over his tenure. However, there is not much time for farewells because the off-season start today, and a man like Coughlin leaves tough shoes to fill.
Where do the Giants go for here?