The New England Patriots-New York Giants games won’t feel the same after Tom Coughlin stepped down as head coach Monday.
Coughlin was one of few head coaches who got the best of Bill Belichick. Coughlin’s Giants were 3-2 against Belichick’s Patriots since 2004, including two Super Bowl victories.
“Tom’s had a great career as a head coach and as an assistant coach — BC (Boston College), Jacksonville, New York. He’s been a friend of mine for a long time,” Belichick said. “I have a lot of respect for Tom and his family, the way he approaches his job and the way he coaches. We had a great relationship at the Giants when we were on the same staff and have had good relationships throughout our respective careers.
“A lot for him to be proud of and, unfortunately, a couple of his biggest wins came at our expense. He deserves a lot of credit for all that he’s accomplished in his career.”
Belichick and Coughlin were assistants together with the Giants from 1988 to 1990. Coughlin served as the Giants’ wide receivers coach before being hired as head coach of Boston College. Belichick was the Giants’ defensive coordinator at the time.
Thumbnail photo via Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports Images
