The New York Giants are on pace to finish with their worst record in a decade, and many have speculated that this season will be Tom Coughlin’s last with the team. According to at least one report, Coughlin is almost certain to be back with the G-Men in 2015.
Steve Serby of the New York Post cites a source close to the Giants who believes there is a “99.9 percent chance” Coughlin returns for another season at age 68.
Coughlin has been under serious scrutiny since he won his second Super Bowl with the Giants back in 2011. New York will miss the playoffs this year for a third straight season and will post a losing record for the second consecutive year.
Several weeks ago, the Post reported that there was a 50-50 chance Coughlin would be back next season. Serby lists a number of reasons why the Giants want to keep Coughlin for another year.
For starters, the Giants have dealt with a rash of injuries and feel that it is unfair to proclaim that Coughlin has “nothing left” after seeing guys like Victor Cruz, Jon Beason and Pince Amukamara go down. Eli Manning and company have also dealt with transitioning to a new offensive coordinator in Ben McAdoo, which could take some time. If the Giants’ brass feels that McAdoo could be the team’s next head coach, another season under Coughlin might do him some good.
Perhaps most importantly, Coughlin does not appear to have lost the respect of his players despite a 3-9 record. There has reportedly been no dip in his intensity and Manning is not interested in playing for a new coach, regardless of what a certain former Giant may believe.
It’s hard to imagine the Giants being a playoff contender in 2015. That said, they do have arguably the best young receiver in the game in Odell Beckham Jr. He and Victor Cruz could make a fantastic duo if New York can bolster its offensive line. Rookie running back Andre Williams has also been impressive in spurts.
The Giants have their problems, but I don’t believe Coughlin is one of them. Another year probably wouldn’t hurt.
