N.Y. GIANTS COACH COUGHLIN RESIGNS
The Associated Press
new york» With the New York Giants facing a difficult decision on his coaching future after four consecutive seasons out of the playoffs, Tom Coughlin walked away gracefully, doing what was best for him.
The Giants gave him 12 years to run one of the NFL’s flagship teams. He delivered two Super Bowl titles and restored the Giants to the league’s elite for a while. It was mutually beneficial, and so was the departure Monday when the 69-year-old Coughlin resigned rather than force ownership to fire him.
Coughlin’s resignation was announced just one day after the Giants (6-10) completed their third consecutive losing season with a 35-30 loss at home to Philadelphia, their third in a row and sixth in seven games.
“I met with (co-owners) John Mara and Steve Tisch, 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 news release. “I strongly believe the time is right for me and my family, and ... the Giants organization.”
Said Mara: “It is difficult to come up with words adequate to describe the appreciation we have for everything Tom Coughlin has done for our franchise. In addition to delivering two Super Bowl titles, Tom represented us with class and dignity, and restored the pride to our organization. He has all the qualities you could ever ask for in a head coach, and he set very high standards for whoever will succeed him.”
Elsewhere in the NFL, the Chargers announced that Mike McCoy will remain their coach, the 49ers decided to keep general manager Trent Baalke after firing coach Jim Tomsula, the Titans dismissed general manager Ruston Webster, the Dolphins promoted Chris Grier to general manager, and Colts coach Chuck Pagano received a contract extension after meeting with team owner Jim Irsay for hours. Pagano’s job appeared to be in jeopardy this season.
“I don’t see any reason for change. I think Chuck is the guy for this team to lead us to a Super Bowl,” said Indianapolis linebacker D’Qwell Jackson. “If an off year is going 8-8 (the Colts’ record this season), I know some teams would give their right arm to go 8-8.”
Tomsula and Browns coach Mike Pettine were fired Sunday.
Former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan will interview Tuesday for the top job with the Dolphins. Chip Kelly, who was fired as Eagles coach Dec. 29, is a candidate for the Cleveland job.