EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In an emotional news conference, Tom Coughlin on Tuesday said goodbye to what he called a dream job. With nearly 20 current and former Giants players watching, he made his final appearance after 12 seasons as the team’s coach with a typically passionate and high-energy oration.
Coughlin entered the auditorium at the team’s training complex five minutes before he was scheduled to speak, which is standard for the punctilious, 69-year-old coach. Soon, he was practically shouting from the rostrum, which gave him an opportunity to preach about his favorite football tenets, like a selfless team concept and determined attention to details.