Tom Coughlin: 'I Don't' Agree With Giants Letting Me Go As Head Coach
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Tom Coughlin still has some hard feelings about his exit as the New York Giants head coach.
In an interview with "Jay Mohr Sports" on Fox News Radio, the 69-year-old Coughlin revealed that he did not agree with the move to let him go.
"Do I agree with the move? Of course not. I don't. It hurts, it hurts. 'Former' is not a good word, I don't like the word. But, nevertheless, that's the way it is," Coughlin said.
His comments are a far cry from his original statement in January when he said he stepped down "in the best interest of the organization."
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as head coach of the New York Football Giants," Coughlin said at the time. "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."
Mohr brought up the infamous handshake snub after Coughlin's press conference where Giants co-owner John Mara stuck out his hand and the former coach just walked by him.
"I did not snub Mr. Mara, if that's what you are insinuating. That is the way I leave the press conferences. Why should I hang around and answer one more less-than-glamorous question?" Coughlin said, adding that his relationship with Mara is "very respectful, very professional."
Coughlin also touched on the flirtation he had with the Philadelphia Eagles as they were searching for a new head coach after letting Chip Kelly go.
"No, it did not materialize. I enjoyed going down and talking to the Eagles, and their decision makers -- Jeffrey Lurie, their owner. But soon after, it just felt as if it wasn't going to work," Coughlin said.
Coughlin did turn down a front office job with the Giants.
