After 12 seasons and two Super Bowl titles, Tom Coughlin's time as head coach of the New York Giants has come to an end.
"I met with (Giants owners) John Mara and Steve Tisch this afternoon, and I informed them that it is in the best interest of the organization that I step down as head coach," Coughlin said in a statement released by the team Monday. "I strongly believe the time is right for me and my family, and as I said, the Giants organization."
The story went on to say the official designation on the move is that Coughlin stepped down. He had one year remaining on his contract. However, there is little doubt that Coughlin would return to the sidelines if the right opportunity came up. He has said in the past that he felt young for the profession -- Coughlin got his first NFL head coaching gig at 49 -- and intended to keep going. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport also noted that Coughlin could be open to the right possibility. QB Eli Manning has indicated he'd like to stay in the current system so Ben McAdoo, according to a report by NJ.com, is rumored to be the top candidate to replace Coughlin.