After 12 years as the New York Giants head coach, Tom Coughlin has decided to call it a day.
The 69-year-old handed in his resignation today, after the final game of the season for the team ended in a 35-30 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving them with a 6-10 record this year.
In an official statement, Coughlin said that after a meeting with the management of the franchise, he felt the time was right to step away from his role.
"I met with (co-owners) 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," said Coughlin. "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".
He added that the team's performances over "the past three years have not been what any of us expect, and as head coach, I accept the responsibility for those seasons".
A Giant Career #ThanksTC pic.twitter.com/GiDWrXVi8w
— New York Giants (@Giants) January 4, 2016
During his time as a head coach with the team, he lead them to two NFC championships and two Super Bowl wins, while he was also part of the coaching set -up when the team claimed Super Bowl XXV against the Buffalo Bills in 1991.
In response to the news, co-owner Tisch said "On behalf of my family, I want to thank Coach Coughlin for how he has represented our franchise for the past 12 years. He embodies the beliefs of this organization and everything the New York Giants stand for. I respect his decision, and while I appreciate Tom's perspective and attitude, at the same time, I am a bit saddened today because we are losing a man who is just as good a person as he is a coach. He is a Hall of Famer in every regard".
His future with the team after this season was subject to much speculation, in particular after the team performed incredibly poorly in a 49-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at the end of December.
With quarterback Eli Manning also having just celebrated his 35th birthday, Coughlin's resignation may be the start of a transitional period for the team, as they look to perhaps build around star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
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