One of the most iconic coaches in the rich history of New York sports, Giants’ head coach Tom Coughlin, has stepped down after a 12 year run that included two Super Bowl Championships. The search now begins to replace a man who is arguably the greatest coach in team history.

For the 4^th time in the last 5 seasons, the New York Giants missed the playoffs and suffered an abysmal 6-10 season. Fans put blame on many people, from the obvious victims; head coach Tom Coughlin, general manager Jerry Reese, offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and even quarterback Eli Manning. When the season came to an end two weeks ago, the man who got fired was just Tom Coughlin. Now was this 4^th straight lackluster season really Coach Coughlin’s fault? It depends on who you ask. 10^th grader and football fan Josh Davonski, when asked if this season was Tom Coughlin’s fault, said, “Some was Coughlin’s fault. He made a lot of questionable calls that hurt his team which in turn made them lose games in the final seconds, but some is also on the players shoulders.” Social Studies teacher, and Giants fan, Mr. Moran simply said, “Not at all, I blame Jerry Reese,” when asked whose shoulders the blame should be placed on.

Tom Coughlin stepping down is also a time for fans of the Giants and football to recollect on the memories he helped give fans during his tenure as Giants head coach. Davonski, when asked his favorite memory of Coach Coughlin, said, “My favorite memory of Coughlin is the 2007 Super Bowl when the Giants beat the undefeated Patriots.” Moran said, “Both Super Bowl victories against the Patriots.” Those two improbable Super Bowl runs the Giants made in 2007 and 2011 are the defining moments of Tom Coughlin’s likely Hall of Fame coaching career. The next debate that will go on is, who do you replace a guy like Tom Coughlin with? Davonski said Chip Kelly, while Moran said, “Tom Coughlin, because none of the other people who interviewed are a better choice than Tom Coughlin.” Both of those guesses as to who the next head coach would be, were proved to be incorrect as offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was promoted to head coach.

Tom Coughlin stepping down is a sad thing for New Yorkers and Giants fans, as it will be awkward looking to the Giants sideline and not seeing the familiar face of Tom Coughlin every Sunday. He is considered by most to be either the greatest or 2^nd greatest coach in team history, the greatest according to Davonski and the second greatest behind Parcells according to Moran. He will be missed throughout the football world.