Giants QB Eli Manning: ‘We failed’ head coach Tom Coughlin

New York Giants players react to coach Tom Coughlin’s departure from the team after 12 years.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Giants quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. expressed their gratitude towards head coach Tom Coughlin, who stepped down after 12 seasons.

“I think he’s done a great job,” Manning said. “He definitely has not failed. I feel we as players, we failed him by not playing to the level that we could.”

Upon Coughlin’s arrival in 2004, the Giants acquired quarterback Eli Manning in a draft-day trade with the Chargers and created a pairing that had not been broken for twelve years.

After taking over for Kurt Warner at the end of the 2004 season, Coughlin and Manning made the playoffs four straight years, and knocked off the undefeated New England Patriots 17–14 in Super Bowl XLII. Manning made 183 consecutive starts under Coughlin.

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Second-year wideout Odell Beckham Jr. hasn’t spent nearly as much time under Coughlin, but said he will still look back on their time fondly.

“I love coach Coughlin.” Beckham said. “He’s always going to be my coach.”

Other Giants—past and present—thanked Coughlin for all that he has done.

💔💔🙈🙈

— Prince Amukamara (@PrinceAmukamara) January 4, 2016

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A post shared by Justin Tuck (@therealjustintuck91)

It has been one of the greatest honors of my life and career to be lead by Tom Coughlin, my life will forever be changed. #legacy #NFL#gmen

— Josh Brown (@Kickingitwith3) January 4, 2016

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A post shared by Victor Cruz (@victorcruz)

Thanks for everything Coach Coughlin. Will miss seeing you walk those #NYG sidelines.

But I'll see you in Canton!

— Spencer Paysinger (@PYSNGR) January 4, 2016

TC is an exceptional coach and an even better person. It’s been a honor to play for a HoF coach. Thank you Coach Coughlin

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 4, 2016

Coach Coughlin taught me how to be a professional with respect, class and focus. I am eternally thankful. I'll be at the HOF ceremony. 🏆🏆

— Nat Berhe (@NatBerhe) January 4, 2016

Thank you Tom Coughlin for demanding the very best from myself/teammates every single day. Respect is not given, it's earned #NYG 2xSBChamps

— Coach David Diehl (@davediehl66) January 4, 2016

- Kenny Ducey