The Giants' seemingly annual call to fire Tom Coughlin began in earnest this season.
The coach survived in the past by quieting critics with unexpected Super Bowl wins in 2007 and 2011. But now, the future Hall of Famer’s tenure in New York is near its end after a season of lost opportunities.
The Giants this year have seen five blown fourth quarter leads and four losses decided in the final 10 seconds, including a 38-35 loss to the unbeaten Panthers. There has been second-guessing of Coughlin’s game management and decision-making, particularly in the opening loss to the Cowboys and the overtime loss to the Jets two weeks ago. Factored in: The Giants should have cruised a the division title in the dreadful NFC East, which was won by Washington.
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But the final straw for Giants ownership may be Coughlin's enabling of the disgraceful, selfish and dangerous on-field behavior of star receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Coughlin has always preached discipline, but there were no repercussions from the coach this time. No message was sent. Coughlin defended his handling of Beckham in the name of doing what it takes to win the game — inconsistent for a coach that benched receiver Rueben Randle for portions of games last season.
Further disconcerting were Coughlin's postgame statements. He acted as if he was unaware of Beckham’s three personal fouls in the game. We know this is a more mellow version of Coughlin than years past, but it's beyond belief that he would put up with any player who puts himself above the team.
A day after the fact (in damage-control mode), Coughlin finally said, "I will not defend his actions because they were wrong and this organization does not tolerate that," but added that he "will defend the young man, the quality of the person."
It's risky to speculate about Coughlin’s future. He has pulled off miracles before, but given the scenarios, the odds aren’t good.
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Many NFL observers thought Coughlin's pro coaching career was over after three consecutive losing seasons in Jacksonville from 2000-2002. They came after four straight playoff seasons, culminating in 1999, when the Jags beat every team they played but the Titans, who beat them three times (including the AFC title game in Jacksonville). I saw Coughlin and that Jaguars team up close, as I was in my first season as Titans president.
I was impressed with Coughlin’s intensity and commanding presence. A smart coach in the mold of former boss Bill Parcells, Coughlin's teams played tough and physical, and they rarely beat themselves. He was a class act, and that persona carried over to his Giants years.
Coughlin's re-emergence in New York was a roller coaster; a love-hate relationship for the first several years. It was fascinating to watch Coughlin instill his brand of discipline on veteran players such as Michael Strahan, who often were not thrilled with their coach and his rules.
Everything changed for Coughlin with the miracle Super Bowl victory over the unbeaten Patriots. He was the coach who slayed the Belichick-Brady dragon, and if not beloved by his players and Giants fans, he was much more respected.
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But now, missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year in the fishbowl that is New York should seal Coughlin’s fate, in large part based on the way everything came crumbling down this season.
The old saying is that a coach has a 10-year life span with a team and city before he and his message become stale. Coughlin, now in Year 12, has adjusted his thinking and softened his stance in certain areas, such as having a Friday recovery day in lieu of practice, or utilizing new offensive systems. And for that, he deserves credit.
Giants co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch are loyal to and appreciative of Coughlin. They know he is a good man. They’ve hoped he would have success until he decided on his own retirement.
But as a former team executive, I would look at this season; all the excruciating, last-minute defeats. I'd consider the clock management issues, as well as the likelihood that the team will not prevail in a winnable division.
I would reflect on the Beckham debacle. I would come to the conclusion that my coach has lost his edge. I would decide it's time for a change.
Jeff Diamond is the former president of the Titans, and former vice president/general manager of the Vikings. He was selected NFL Executive of the Year in 1998. Diamond is currently a business and sports consultant who also does broadcast and online media work. He is former chairman and CEO of The Ingram Group. Follow Jeff on Twitter: @jeffdiamondNFL
