EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Tom Coughlin said goodbye to the New York Giants on Tuesday. In an emotional farewell, he thanked his players and the organization and said he might not be done coaching.
Speaking a day after stepping down following four straight years out of the playoffs, Coughlin called the Giants job a dream come true. The 69-year-old coach thanked his wife, Judy, for being his quarterback through the ride.
Coughlin sounded as if he were addressing a congregation during his 18 minutes on stage, stressing the values of winning the right way, building character and preparing players for life after football.
Giants co-owner John Mara lauded Coughlin as everything the organization could have wanted. He added that Coughlin was offered a job within the organization and there was no timetable to find a new coach.
Mara said general manager Jerry Reese needs to improve the roster, but feels he remains the right man for the job. The Giants finished at 6-10, and Reese said the team that won two Super Bowls under Coughlin is not too far away from contending for another title.
