We got a firsthand look Tuesday at the impact Tom Coughlin had on his players as coach of the New York Giants.
Coughlin officially stepped down Monday, and discussed the decision Tuesday at a news conference. The longtime head coach responded directly to comments from quarterback Eli Manning, who said Monday he felt like it was his and the players’ fault Coughlin was leaving.
Coughlin and Manning have been joined at the hip since the quarterback entered the NFL. Coughlin is the only NFL coach Manning has ever played for, and the bond between the two is undeniable.
The coach made sure to mention the quarterback Tuesday, and cameras caught Manning breaking down in tears as Coughlin addressed him.
If that looked and sounded a little familiar, well …
Manning wasn’t the only Giants player past or present shook up by Coughlin’s departure. Former Giants defensive end Justin Tuck posted this salute to Coughlin on his Facebook page Tuesday.
Coughlin’s reaction toward Manning was a little better than it was toward Giants owner John Mara. Coughlin appeared to go out of his way to snub Mara after the news conference finished. When you compare the two reactions, you probably get a little better idea about how everything went down behind closed doors.
