Coughlin resigns as Giants coach
The Tom Coughlin era is over.
The two-time Super Bowl winner who has served as Giants coach longer than anyone but Hall of Famer Steve Owen’s 23 seasons, will not return to his post for the 2016 season.
“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 Monday. “I strongly believe the time is right for me and my family, and as I said, the Giants organization.”
Coughlin, 69, insisted in the statement that “this is not a sad occasion for me,” though the three straight losing seasons did seem to take their toll.
“Obviously, the past three years have not been what any of us expect, and as head coach, I accept the responsibility for those seasons.”
There also were obvious, tangible triumphs.
In 20 NFL seasons, Coughlin is 182-156 including the postseason. His 12-year record with the Giants is 102-90. The Giants won two NFC East titles and a pair of Super Bowls during his tenure.
“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,” he said of his 12 years as head coach. “That is a tribute to our players and staff, and it was truly fulfilling to be the leader of those teams.”
Brady update: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suffered a sprained right ankle during Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins but he’s expected to be ready for the team’s divisional round playoff game in two weeks, ESPN reported.
Brady underwent an MRI, which didn’t reveal any breaks.
The injury occurred on a hard hit by defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh.
“I’ve had plenty worse injuries than this one,” Brady said Monday on his weekly radio appearance. “Suh is a big guy and he just came down on the back of me. Obviously, however big he is — 300 pounds — and he just kind of collapses on the back of your legs, there is going to be some residual damage to that. It’s part of football.
“I’ve always dealt with injuries. Believe me, I’ll be doing everything I can to be out there.”
Tillman tears ACL: Panthers cornerback Charles Tillman will miss the playoffs after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers.
It’s the same knee that caused Tillman to miss four games before returning to face the Giants on Dec. 20, at least a week earlier than planned after cornerback Bene Benwikere fractured his leg a week earlier.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Tillman, 34, knew the risks when he returned.
“He did,” Rivera said. “Knowing him, he knew exactly what the risks were. He wanted to play, and he’s done a great job for us.”
Williams day to day:
Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams is day to day after an MRI showed no fractures or major structural damage to his right ankle that he injured during Sunday’s win over the Browns, ESPN reported.