When the Giants hired Tom Coughlin in 2004, they knew he was an upgrade from Jim Fassel, who would have been replaced by John Fox three years earlier if he had not made the Super Bowl. When Fassel replaced Dan Reeves in 1997, they knew he was an upgrade simply because Reeves was miserable and wanted out and had no desire to work for George Young anymore. When Reeves replaced Ray Handley in 1993, he was an upgrade because, well, Rich Kotite would have been an upgrade.
But now?
The Giants have been losing games the same way the last three years and they can’t stop the injuries, so it was a good time for Coughlin to go and see if a change in routine and culture will get them back into the playoffs.