After missing the playoffs for four consecutive years, and in six out of the last seven, Tom Coughlin released a statement earlier today, announcing that he is stepping down as the head coach of the New York Giants after 12 seasons.
At 10:30 AM on Tuesday, the team will host a news conference to address his resignation.
The franchise suffered its third straight losing season this year. The last time they had that many consecutive losing campaign was during a dreadful run from 1973 to 1980, when they had eight straight.
Coughlin’s statement reads as follows:
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 head coach 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.
Despite the team’s recent string of struggles, Coughlin was one of the most successfull coaches in franchise history. His signature seasons came in 2007 and 2011, when they upset the New England Patriots on both occasions to win the Super Bowl.
His 170 regular season wins ranks ranks 12th all time in NFL history.
