Tom Coughlin’s New Contract to Be Announced Today: According to various press reports, the new contract for Head Coach Tom Coughlin is expected to be announced today. It is reported that the new deal will be a 4-year, $21 million contract that will run through the 2011 season, when Coughlin turns 65 years old. The new deal will replace – not extend – his previous contract and make Coughlin one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL.
The Journal News is reporting that team management had decided to retain Coughlin after the Giant’ 38-21 win over the Buffalo Bills that secured a third-straight post-season appearance.
“I re-upped for a couple of years knowing Tom would get an extension,” said P Jeff Feagles. “That meant a lot because of the stability he brings. You bring somebody else in here, you never know if they’re going to change your routine. That makes a difference to an athlete. We all know how structured Tom is, and now we all know we’ll have a few more years with him.”
“He’s the only coach I want to play for,” says HB Brandon Jacobs. “He knows how we are as players, and he believes in us. We believe in him.”
As the Giants’ head coach, Coughlin has a regular season record of 35-29 (.547) and a post-season record of 4-2 (.667).
Kelly Likely to Go Where the Money Is: According to Newsday‘s NFL blog, unrestricted free agent CB Brian Kelly (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), who visited the Giants on Thursday, will likely sign with the team offering him the most money. The Giants and Lions have expressed interest in Kelly. Detroit has a more pressing need for cornerbacks and Detroit’s current head coach used to coach Kelly in Tampa Bay.