Tom Coughlin thanked team ownership for their class and support, and said goodbye with a tone of pride and loyalty.
“Steve and I conveyed to Tom how grateful we were for everything he brought to us,” Giants president and CEO John Mara said. “He’s been everything you could ever ask for in a head coach. He’s a Hall of Fame coach. A Hall of Fame person. He leaves big shoes to fill.”
Mara said he asked Coughlin to stay involved in the team in some form.
Coughlin stepped down as head coach of the New York Giants after 12 seasons and a 102-90 record, including 8-3 in the playoffs with two Super Bowl victories.
“Judy and I together a long time ago, we don’t say ‘goodbye,’” Coughlin said. “We say ‘next time.’ I’m trying to convey that here.”
The Giants made the postseason five times under Coughlin, but 2015 was his third consecutive losing season and fourth in a row without a playoff appearance. That hasn’t happened since 1980.
“I’m very thankful he persevered,” Mara said. “He walks out the door with his head held high. We’re very grateful.”
Coughlin said he contends the higher ground, and greater purpose in football was team – winning the right way.
“Championships are won by teams who love one another, play for and respect one another,” he said. “We have an obligation to teach these young men the lessons and life skills they need once their careers are over. It is our duty.”
Coughlin said relationships became the primary objective in his career. He said the next coach should embrace the ‘real football people’ in the front office and ownership of the Giants.
“They don’t panic after every missed third down,” Coughlin said, “just after going 6-10 twice.”
Coughlin did not use the word retirement or resignation. He said he will find a way to stay involved in the game and with players, because his wife wouldn’t want him home for more than 48 hours.
“What’s next for this guy Coughlin? I don’t exactly know. I know we will dedicate time to the Jay Fund foundation,” Coughlin said. “We are there to help families of children who have cancer.”