Tom Coughlin “wouldn’t speculate” on possible return to coaching

Will Tom Coughlin ever return to the NFL coaching ranks? Coughlin, who will be inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor Monday night along with Ernie Accorsi and Justin Tuck, said during a conference call Tuesday that “I would be less than honest if I had told you that I didn’t miss the sideline.”

Coughlin, of course, coached the Giants to two Super Bowl titles in 12 seasons. The 70-year-old Coughlin began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Syracuse in 1969.

Coughlin is now working in the NFL League Office.

“I love the game day situation (with the NFL League Office). I have been in the command room every Sunday, on Monday Night because I think that is the closest thing to the sideline and I have enjoyed that very much,” Coughlin said.

“As far as the future holds, who knows. I wouldn’t speculate on anything and I will just enjoy very much, this opportunity come Monday night to be at the Giants-Cincinnati game and to have a great number of family and friends around and to have a chance to celebrate with Ernie and Justin and their families and to be able to cast around at the names in the Ring of Honor in the stadium and just feel good about being a part of that.”

Coughlin said that he “will always root for the Giants.” So, what does he think of their 5-3 start?

“I know what you know. Outstanding win last week against Philadelphia. Good to see on a couple of occasions that the defense has done well. They have come into ball games and had to be in position to make a strong contribution and they have done that. It is good to see that. Offensive production last weekend was good. Finding a way to win – watching Landon Collins make plays, starting with that great game that he had over in London, so I am just a bystander now and a fan,” he said. “I am happy for them. Ben has done a nice job. The defense has done an outstanding job and Eli, again with four touchdown passes the other day is strong again, so I am looking forward to watching them down the stretch.”

Coughlin, Accorsi and Tuck will be honored during halftime of the Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.