Why New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin Should Be Fired

When Tom Coughlin was introduced as the 16th head coach in New York Giants history on January 7th, 2004 the era of lack of focus was suppose to be over. Jim Fassel's group of players quit on him and it was clearly evident. When owners Wellington Mara and Bob Tisch set forth to hire a new coach, they wanted someone who was strict and a disciplinarian. The man who fit that job description was Tom Coughlin who previous took the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars deep into the playoffs twice.

In Coughlin's introductory speech after being named coach, he said "We must eliminate costly penalties...I am also aware of the injury factor; the number of IR's and those kinds of things, which is a cancer let's face it. It is something that has to be corrected. It is a mental thing I believe as much as it is anything else." Now nearly three years later, the Giants are right where they were when Coughlin took control. At last count, the Giants had a plethora of major injuries. Wide receiver Amani Toomer, offensive tackle Luke Pettigout, defensive ends Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck, linebacker LaVar Arrington, return specialist Chad Morton along with five other players are on injured reserve. Coughlin may have thought he could change the culture of injuries but it's a fact of life in the modern National Football League. Players are faster, stronger and more explosive than ever.

As for the penalties, it was a sad state of affairs during the Jim Fassel regime. Under Coughlin, the Giants have remained among the worst offenders in the league. A disciplinarian is suppose to garner his players focus and limit such costly mistakes.

In recent weeks, local New York papers cite unnamed current Giants players who say Coughlin has lost some of the team and it's a hostile group. While this isn't completely the case (in all likelihood), you must be sure a number of players are fed up with Coughlin's style. The biggest star on the team, Tiki Barber told the world he was retiring in the middle of the season. Coincidentally, after that decision was made public, the team went on a downward spiral. If the star offensive player isn't focused on the football team, how can anyone expect his teammates to be?

They say winning cures all ills in the NFL. When the Giants started the season out 6-2, all was well in Giant land. After that start, they lost six of their next seven ballgames. Still, with the poor NFC they are in prime position to earn a playoff spot. That should have no effect on the current owners thoughts to keep or fire Coughlin. A poor quality conference should not dictate how you control your own franchise.

It hasn't been all negative under Coughlin, saying that is irresponsible. Tiki Barber had the greatest years of his career under Coughlin. His infamous fumbling problems were completely halted once Coughlin realized what he was doing wrong and corrected it. However, the franchise quarterback Eli Manning has not progressed. He has routinely started off seasons doing well but has completely fallen flat on his face. Some fans and media pundits don't think Manning will ever develop into the quality of player a number one overall pick should.

In Coughlin's first season as Giants head coach, the Giants finished 6-10. The next year they won the NFC East Division with a 11-5 record but were bounced out of the playoffs in the wild card round after a humiliating performance. This season, the Giants can finish no better than 8-8 with a wild card playoff birth. Qualifying for the playoffs twice in three years sounds great. However, it's not due to the Giants being a great team.

While playing fantasy football with coaches doesn't get you anywhere, the other coaches looked at back in 2003 other than Coughlin included Lovie Smith and Charlie Weis. Smith has since led the Chicago Bears to the top of the NFC with a question mark at quarterback and a dominating defense. Charlie Weis found no luck in the NFL and has since turned Notre Dame into a respectable football program after years otherwise. At this point in time, unless Bill Belichick or another great name becomes available, the man the Giants should go after is Charlie Weis. To free him from his Notre Dame commitments, it will likely cost the Giants over $10 million for a buy out. It's a great investment if for nothing else to bring in the man who tutored Tom Brady and Brady Quinn (the likely number one pick in the 2007 NFL Draft).

Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi is retiring at the conclusion of this season. Whether or not the next GM is hired from inside or outside the organization, a full blown sweep of changes needs to be made. New owners John Mara and Steve Tisch need not worry about Coughlin's ties to their fathers. Do what's best for the future of the organization.