Giants extend Coughlin through 2014

East Rutherford, NJ – Three weeks ago while the Giants received their championship rings, team president John Mara stated that head coach Tom Coughlin would receive a contract extension "sooner rather than later."

The inevitable became a formality on Wednesday as Coughlin signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him on the sidelines through the 2014 season.

Financial terms of the pact were not disclosed. His previous contract was set to expire following the 2012 season.

"It has always been my belief that it is an honor and a privilege to be the head coach of the New York Giants," said Coughlin. "I'm thankful to John Mara and Steve Tisch and their families for their support and the recognition of what our players and coaches have accomplished. And I'm grateful for the working relationship Jerry Reese and I have. We've got a lot of work left to do."

Coughlin, the second longest-tenured coach in franchise history, was hired by New York in 2004 and is one of 13 coaches to win two Super Bowls, including one this past season against the New England Patriots. They also won it all in 2007, when they were also triumphant against New England.

Only Hall of Fame coach Steve Owen had a longer reign. He patrolled the sidelines for 24 years from 1930-53.

"I wanted Tom as our head coach going all the way back to the early '90s," said Mara. "So it was with great confidence that Ernie Accorsi and I recommended to my father and Bob Tisch in 2004 that we hire Tom. Of course, my father didn't need to be convinced. He saw what we have all seen, a man who has a singular focus and incredible dedication when it comes to his work. In so many ways, Tom represents to me who and what the head coach of our franchise should be."

Coughlin, who has 74 wins with the Giants, is four wins shy of surpassing Bill Parcells for the second most victories in the club's history. Owen is at the top of the list with 153 victories.

"Tom is the right person in the right job at the right time," said chairman Steve Tisch. "I just really appreciate how our players respond to his leadership, and obviously our organization has benefited tremendously because of the relationship Tom has with his players."

In 16 seasons as an NFL head coach -- eight years each with the Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars -- Coughlin has a 142-114 regular-season mark. He's led the Giants and Jaguars to five division titles and nine playoff appearances.