New York Giants Extend Tom Coughlin for $20 Million Through 2014

Apparently winning a second championship in the NFL makes you a rich man. The New York Giants have announced they have agreed to a contract extension with head coach Tom Coughlin. The deal is worth $20 million over the next three seasons through 2014, according to sources familiar with the contract. Coughlin, 66, is the oldest coach to ever win a Super Bowl and has stated he hopes to coach until he is 70.

“It has always been my belief that it is an honor and a privilege to be the head coach of the New York Giants,” Coughlin said. “I’m thankful to John Mara and Steve Tisch and their families for their support and the recognition of what our players and coaches have accomplished. And I’m grateful for the working relationship Jerry Reese and I have.

Today feels light years away from the point in the 2011 season when many began calling for Coughlin’s head…again. It was similar to the 2007 season, though that year Coughlin had a partner in crime as fans were then frustrated with Eli Manning as well. No, this past season Eli played out of his mind, yet the Giants were still 7-7 and coming off an embarrassing loss to the Washington Redskins.

It was then that you heard grumblings from the fan base. Not two months later, the Giants were celebrating their fourth Lombardi trophy, and Eli was lifting his second Super Bowl MVP trophy.

I am as guilty of this as anyone, but in hind sight Coughlin should have been given the benefit of the doubt rather than chastised. The Giants have dealt with a plethora of injuries over the past three seasons, yet they were still able to post records of 8-8, 10-6, and 9-7. Only the third got them into the playoffs, with the incredible Super Bowl run following.

If the Giants can get through a season unscathed by injuries, they have a chance to put together a special season. They have a ton of talent at every position, and now have the best coach in the NFL locked up for the next three years.

 

Jeff is an NFL Featured Columnist for www.RantSports.com.

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