Tom Coughlin steps down as head coach of the New York Giants
Wednesday 6 January 2016 10:29, UK
Dual Super Bowl winner Tom Coughlin has stepped down as head coach of the New York Giants after 12 years in charge.
The 69-year-old Coughlin announced the decision on Monday, one day after the Giants had lost to Philadelphia and finished their season with a disappointing 6-10 record.
It was the fourth straight year that the Giants failed to reach the play-offs and the third season in a row they have finished with a losing record.
Prior to that, Coughlin had led the Giants to memorable Super Bowl successes in 2007 and 2011, but the league's oldest active coach has now decided to resign, a move which may signal the end of a 20-year NFL head coaching career.
After meeting with the team owners, Coughlin released a statement on Monday which read in part: "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 honour 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."
Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who played a big role in their Super Bowl successes under Coughlin, had earlier given an interview to the NFL Network.
"[Coughlin] definitely has not failed," said Manning.
"I feel that we as players, we failed him by not playing to the level that we could."
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