Giants Extend Coach Tom Coughlin Through 2014 Season

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Giants co-owner John Mara left no doubt after Super Bowl XLVI that a deal would get done to extend head coach Tom Coughlin.

He just made good on that promise.

Coughlin has signed a contract extension that will keep him at New York's helm through the 2014 season, the team announced Wednesday.

"It has always been my belief that it is an honor and a privilege to be the head coach of the New York Giants," Coughlin said in a statement. "I'm thankful to John Mara and Steve Tisch and their families for their support and the recognition of what our players and coaches have accomplished."

Coughlin, with a career regular season record of 142-114, made his mark on the league from 1995-2002 as head coach of the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars. He was hired by the Giants in 2004, and became part of the Big Apple conversation forever with a remarkable win over New England in Super Bowl XLII.

But it was the 65-year-old's second title that cemented his place in NFL history. Coughlin became the oldest coach to ever hoist the Lombardi Trophy -- and made his case for Canton -- when New York again bested Tom Brady and the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.

Giants chairman Steve Tisch said in a statement that Coughlin "is the right person in the right job at the right time."

"I just really appreciate how our players respond to his leadership," Tisch said, "and obviously our organization has benefited tremendously because of the relationship Tom has with his players."

Mara, who declared last month a deal would get done sooner rather than later, said his late father, beloved team owner Wellington Mara, saw something special in Coughlin.

"I wanted Tom as our head coach going all the way back to the early '90s, so it was with great confidence that (former GM) Ernie Accorsi and I recommended to my father and Bob Tisch in 2004 that we hire Tom," Mara said. "Of course, my father didn't need to be convinced. He saw what we have all seen, a man who has a singular focus and incredible dedication when it comes to his work. In so many ways, Tom represents to me who and what the head coach of our franchise should be."

Coughlin ranks No. 3 on the Giants' all-time list with 74 regular season wins, behind Bill Parcells (77) and Hall of Famer Steve Owen (153). Parcells and Coughlin share the franchise record with eight postseason victories.

"Tom is a winner and he's a fighter," Giants general manager Jerry Reese said. "From where I sit, I couldn't ask for more in a head coach."

The forever-young coach recently admitted he wouldn't even entertain the thought of retirement and may want to coach past age 70.

As he said in the team's statement: "We've got a lot of work left to do."

Giants fans, are you thrilled to have Coughlin's contract locked down? Sound off below...