Giants coach Tom Coughlin steps down after 12 seasons

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin has stepped down after 12 seasons.

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin has stepped down after 12 seasons, he announced on Monday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported that Coughlin would not return next 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. “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.”

The Giants endured their third losing season in a row in 2015, finishing 6–10 with Sunday’s 35–30 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. They have not been back to the playoffs since their championship season in 2011.

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According to Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo, Coughlin would be open to taking another coaching job, and is not retiring.

Coughlin, 69, won two Super Bowls and three NFC East division titles in his time with the Giants. His teams went a combined 102–90.

A graduate of Syracuse and a coach for the Orange in the 70’s, Coughlin entered the NFL as a wide receivers coach for the Eagles in 1984. He then spent time with the Packers and Giants before becoming the head coach of the Jaguars in 1995. He was fired by Jacksonville in 2002 after leading the franchise to a 68–60 regular season record through eight seasons, and joined the Giants in 2004.

Upon his arrival, the Giants acquired quarterback Eli Manning in a draft-day trade with the Chargers, and created a pairing that would not be broken for 12 years. After going 6–10 in 2004 with a combination of Manning and Kurt Warner, Coughlin made the playoffs four straight years, and knocked off the undefeated New England Patriots 17–14 in Super Bowl XLII.

Before news broke on Monday, Manning reflected on the past few seasons with remorse.

“He definitely has not failed these players,” Manning said, fighting back tears. “We failed him.”

The Giants have a news conference scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday with John Mara, Steve Tisch, Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin.

- Kenny Ducey