Tom Coughlin isn’t simply a coach but has forever cemented himself as one of the greats. So when he announced he would be stepping down as the head coach of the New York Giants, we all wondered what would happen next. While  many were shocked at his announcement,  his legacy with the Giants is really why he won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Coughlin joined the Giants staff in 2004, but his time with the team didn’t start there as he was mentored by former Giants head coach Bill Parcells. Coughlin is more known for being their most recent head coach with a tenure of 11 years. During his eleven years, Coughlin posted a record of 102-90 and coached the Giants to Superbowl victories in 2007 and 2012. Coughlin is mostly known for his tough and disciplinary style of coaching, one that players originally complained about but would eventually become his legacy.

With his coaching style, Coughlin gained respect for many players including Eli Manning. The day before Coughlin would step down, Manning said, “He did a great job and he definitely has not failed… I feel we as players, we failed him by not playing to the level that we could.” Those are pretty powerful and emotional words coming from Manning, but as the only coach that Manning has played under, it’s easy to see why they ring true.

During his press conference announcing his resignation, Coughlin spoke directly to Manning. It was a personal message but one we can all appreciate, “He’s not the reason. Eli, it’s not you. It’s not you. It’s us. We win, we lose together. When we lose, I lose. When we win, you guys win. That’s the way it is. That’s the game. I know what it is. I got the game. I got it.”

Coughlin’s parting words to Eli can ring true to all of us even if you’re not a sports fan. We all have good days and bad days and sometimes it feels like we failed. As a coach, Coughlin showed us all who we wish our coach would be and what a good coach is. All of Coughlin’s press conference can be seen here.

Here are some of the tributes shared by Giants players on their social media:

They would never understand…

A photo posted by Odell Beckham Jr (@iam_objxiii) on

 

As I sit back and reflect on Coach Tom Coughlin, I remember all the one on ones in your office talking football, game plan, etc. I think back to when I was named captain and I used to try and beat you to the facility. I would get there at 6, you where there. I got there at 530 and you were there. 5 am… I knew I would beat you then.. NOPE YOU WERE THERE. I remember feeling the hood of your car and it was cold. Come to find out there were nights you slept in the office. No one worked harder, no one demanded more and I LOVE YOU for it. I chose this picture for one reason and one reason only. Everyone knows you for your dedication to your team and how intense you are on the football field. But I will remember you for helping me become a man and challenging all of us to be better husbands and fathers and men. You did it the right way Coach. And you might be retiring from coaching but I'm sure this isn't a goodbye. That's not in your nature. #halloffame #5minutesearly #areyoush*ttingme

A photo posted by THEREALJUSTINTUCK91 (@therealjustintuck91) on

While Coughlin’s time in New York has come to a close, it doesn’t mean his coaching career is over. He’s rumored to be interviewing for a slew of openings to include NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. Wherever he ends up, the city, team and players will be better for it.

 

Featured image via Pro Football Rumors