Tom Coughlin resigned as the head coach of the New York Giants, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, after coaching with the team for 15 overall years and 12 years as a head coach. He met with John Mara and Steve Tisch, the owners, to inform them of the resignition. 

The 69-year-old, believe it or not, is open to continuing his coaching career, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The coach will turn 70 years old in August, so it would be hard to expect him on the sidelines in 2016. It is important to note that Coughlin's departure from the Giants is a resignation, not a retirement. 

The Statement

“I met with 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. I strongly believe the time is right for me and my family, and as I said, the Giants organization. 

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as head coach of the New York Football Giants. This is a not a sad occasion for me. I have spent 15 years with this organization as an assistant and head coach and was fortunate to be part of three Super Bowl winning teams. A Lombardi Trophy every five years is an achievement in which we all take great pride.

“Obviously, the past three years have not been what any of us expect, and as head coach, I accept the responsibility for those seasons.

“I think it has been evident these last 12 years here how much pride I take in representing this franchise. I am gratified and proud that we were able to deliver two more Lombardi trophies to the display case in our lobby during that time. That is a tribute to our players and staff, and it was truly fulfilling to be the leader of those teams.

“I appreciate the support of John and his family and Steve and his family, and of Jerry Reese and his staff. I think our organization is a great representation of what I mean when I talk about ‘team’.

“Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank my wife Judy and our four children and their spouses and our 11 (soon to be 12) grandchildren. None of this would have been possible without their unconditional love and support.”

The History Of Tom Coughlin

This season was the third straight losing year in New York, which is the worst stretch a losing season streak form 1973-1980. The team won two Super Bowls (2007, 2011) with Coughlin on the sidelines, but have missed the playoffs in the past four seasons and the last six of seven. 

Coughlin got the head coaching job in 2004 after he was the head man on the sidelines with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was in 2004 that the Giants drafted Eli Manning, who was promoted to the starting position just halfway through the 2004 season. The duo had a ton of success together and stayed on the same page for most of their time with the franchise. 

"He has been a great coach to play for," Manning said. "Learned so much from him from an early age when I got here to every year. Just to meet with him and talk football and X's and O's and strategy ... he has a great football mind and loves what he does, has great passion. He is an example of how you should handle your job and love what you are doing."

Coughlin and the Giants won Super Bowl XLII in a huge upset over the undefeated New England Patriots. New York snuck into the 2007 playoffs with a 10-6 record, earning them just a wild card spot. In 2011, the Giants won on the road against the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers to reach Super Bowl XLVI against none other than New England. The Giants came out on top in yet another upset victory over the Patriots in the Super Bowl. 

The veteran of the NFL finished his career as a Giant with a 110-92 record in the regular and postseason. As a head coach with the Giants and Jaguars, Coughlin is 182-156, which ranks him 12th in NFL history. 

"On behalf of my family, I want to thank Coach Coughlin for how he has represented our franchise for the past 12 years," said Tisch. "He embodies the beliefs of this organization and everything the New York Giants stand for. I respect his decision, and while I appreciate Tom's perspective and attitude, at the same time, I am a bit saddened today because we are losing a man who is just as good a person as he is a coach. He is a Hall of Famer in every regard."

Is The Rest Of The Coaching Staff Safe? 

Yes, no, maybe so. According to Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network, Giants general manager Jerry Reese is "safe." The rest of the coaching staff, however, are still up in the air. 2016 will probably be a make-or-break season for Reese, who is a 52-year-old. 

The Future Of The Giants

Looking forward, the Giants should think long and hard about Ben McAdoo, who was the offensive coordinator in 2015. According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, McAdoo is currently the leading candidate for the job. McAdoo won two Super Bowls with the Giants in 2007 and 2011. Another name that could get tossed around is Sean Payton.