BIG BLUE BUCK$
COUGHLIN EARNS 4-YEAR, $21M CONTRACT
By PAUL SCHWARTZ
March 8, 2008 -- The comeback coach is coming back.
Of course we knew that, realized as much as the GiantsNew York Giants gained one improbable playoff victory after another. The fact that Tom Coughlin, all but left on the side of the road as a coaching carcass following the 2007 season, had earned future employment with the Giants was obvious as he somehow guided his upstart club through postseason rampages in Tampa, Dallas and frigid Green Bay. Even if Coughlin had not masterminded an upset for the ages against the unbeaten Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, his place as the head coach would have been secure.
Once the Giants stunned the world by fighting from behind for a thrilling 17-14 triumph over the Patriots in Glendale, Ariz., the only question was when Coughlin's new deal would be announced and how much dough he would make.
After getting down all the language and final touches of a new four-year, $21 million contract, the Giants yesterday finalized an agreement and today will make official Coughlin's reward.
Thus completes a remarkable turnaround, both professionally and personally, for the 61-year old Coughlin. Following last season, when the Giants slipped into the playoffs despite a record of 8-8 and slipped out the playoffs after a narrow loss to the Eagles, Coughlin received a mere one-year extension for $3.5 million. It was a clear indication from ownership that Coughlin needed to get more out of the team and become less of a negative force among his players and the media. He made the changes and the results were spectacular.
Coughlin is now contractually bound to the Giants through the 2011 season, when he will be 65 years old. He also vaults into the upper-echelon of NFL coaches in terms of salary, not near the $8 million Mike Holmgren will make in his final year in Seattle, but certainly competitive with other top coaches such as Denver's Mike Shanahan and Jeff Fisher of the Titans. The final year of Coughlin's old contract was ripped up, meaning this is not an extension but a brand-new deal. It's probably the last one he'll ever sign but, given his recent success and spry exuberance, you never know.
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