Coughlin Keeps Job

Tom Coughlin will be the head coach for the New York Giants in 2007 and possibly beyond. After thorough deliberation, President and CEO John Mara announced the Giants have agreed to a one year contract extension with the embattled field general. Keeping with Giants tradition, the Mara and Tisch family extended the coach's contract going in to the final year. He should be one of the few faces returning to the sideline. Several guys, including defensive coordinator Tim Lewis and special teams coach Mike Sweatman, are certain to be on the hot seat. John Mara defended his decision to retain Coughlin on the Mike and the Mad Dog show on WFAN, but made it clear that 8-8 is no longer acceptable for this franchise. He addressed many issues that should indicate where the organization is headed. It is also clear that Coughlin needs to lead the team past the first round of the playoffs or he will not coach for the duration of his contract.

With Ernie Accorsi's impending retirement next week, the vacant GM position looks to be filled "in house" with Coughlin's announcement. Mara recognized that the incoming GM should be on board with his decision to retain Coughlin. This could be a big reason the Patriots' Scott Pioli rejected the opportunity to interview for the position. Bill Parcells also adamantly denied contact with Mara. The likely candidate is current director of player personnel Jerry Reese. Long time scout, and brother of John Mara, Chris Mara should not be discounted. Big brother John clearly will not listen to nepotism critics and Chris' qualifications warrant a serious look. The position likely will not be filled until Accorsi officially resigns on January 15, but the decision should be made shortly afterwards. With the combine coming up next month, the Giants would like to have their decision makers on the same page.

Admittedly, I was one of the many fans who took consolation from the speculation Coughlin would be fired following a first round exit. I would never go so far as to root against them, but did find solace in the belief that he would be gone. Now that he's coming back, it's time to turn in to an optimist. My biggest problem with Coughlin has been the belief that the players won't play for him. Mara claims that they approached many of the veterans and received nothing but positive feedback. If this is true, I have no problem with him returning. In fairness, Coughlin is the first coach since Parcells to lead the Giants to the playoffs in two straight seasons. Play selection was this team's kryptonite, something that Coughlin did not have total control over. Don't get me wrong, I'm not pleased with the decision. However, I do believe he can get the job done with a face lift to his staff. He must break his loyalty to Kevin Gilbride and bring in a quarterbacks coach who can groom Eli Manning. The lack of quality coaches available also must be taken in to consideration. Presuming Norm Chow takes the Arizona job to reunite with Matt Leinart and Ken Whisenhunt is promoted to head coach in Pittsburgh, there are very limited options. Coughlin's hire was important to Wellington Mara, so it must have been anticipated John Mara will defend it for as long as he can. While many fans will attack this decision, it'll be important to see how the first major football decision without their fathers goes for he and the Tisches. The next decision should be a promotion for one of the current executives to the vacant general manager position. Giants fans should feel confident that the ruling families are headed by football saavy, capable men. Hopefully their first decisions will lead to long term success.