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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Tom Coughlin did not want to address his status as head coach of the New York Giants following Sunday's season-ending 34-26 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Coughlin, however, couldn't escape his post-game press conference without having to do just that. Coughlin made it obvious that if his time as Giants' coach is up, which appears unlikely despite the 6-10 season, it won't be his choice.
"We're going to evaluate our team like we always do," Coughlin said. "I'm going to go about my business like I always have done until I'm told otherwise."
Coughlin was asked if he wanted all of his assistant coaches to return -- if, of course, he does.
"Yes, but I'm not going to say anything more about that," Coughlin said.
The head coach, who will be 69 next season, said "I think it's [the team] headed in the right direction" despite the 6-10 season. The Giants won three of their last four games after a mid-season seven-game losing streak.
Many of the issues that plagued the Giants throughout the season cropped up on Sunday.
They had a punt blocked, which Philadelphia recovered and returned for a score.
They allowed the Eagles to gain 426 yards of total offense.
They committed a penalty that wiped out a touchdown.
They could not run the ball, gaining just 76 yards on 25 carries.
We are not likely to hear an official announcement from the Giants on the status of Coughlin or anyone else until Tuesday. That is when co-owner John Mara, GM Jerry Reese and Coughlin are expected to address the media for the final time this season.
Since winning the Super Bowl in 2011 the Giants have gone 9-7, 7-9 and now 6-10. Despite the many encouraging things that happened in recent weeks, including the improvement offensively and the emergence of some young defensive players, that remains a disturbing trend in the wrong direction.
We find out soon enough if Coughlin gets a chance to try to reverse that trend. He made it plain Sunday afternoon that it is an opportunity he wants.