Giants Couglin Embraces Change

By Garrett Turner–2/1/2012
Tom Coughlin has changed a lot over the years. The Giants coach has developed a reputation of being a strict disciplinarian and not a “players” coach. That all changed in 5 years ago when Coughlin relaxed a little bit. The result was a Super Bowl championship. This week in Indianapolis Coughlin said it is necessary to change if you want to win.
“I think it’s important as a part of the process of learning that you learn and develop and change every year,” Coughlin said. “You have to bring a fresh approach each year to your team. If I’ve changed, it’s been in an attempt to motivate and inspire my team and put us in the best possible chance we can be to win.”
Coughlin’s ability to relate to his players has paid dividends. He thinks he has become more patient. But make no mistake. Coughlin hasn’t become a warm and fuzzy coach.
“Warmer? Fuzzier?,” New York Giants guard Chris Snee said. “I don’t know if I’d use those adjectives. He’s lightened up a lot but he still has his beliefs that he sticks to. That’s what makes him more successful.”
Coughlin may be more relaxed, but he still holds to his own formula. That formula has given him two trips to the Super Bowl in four years.
“The principles, the values, what I believe in and how you play, the formula that’s utilized to win…that never changes,” Coughlin said.
A win for Coughlin on Sunday would make him one of only three active NFL coaches to have won multiple Super Bowls.