Could Tom Coughlin really be headed to a division rival?
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that there are ongoing discussions between Coughlin and the Philadelphia Eagles, which could come to a head quickly, per sources involved in the situation.
Rapoport added that the Eagles are set for a face-to-face meeting with Coughlin on Thursday that should be a lot more in-depth than previous meetings.
The news comes a day after the Giants announced that Ben McAdoo would replace Coughlin in New York. McAdoo was also high on the Eagles' wish list.
There are still questions left to answer, such as who Coughlin would consider as assistants -- especially after most of his last staff remained in New York? How would he mesh with Howie Roseman? But it's clear from the multiple meetings that Coughlin is the hot candidate to take over in Philly.
Coughlin coached the Giants for 12 seasons and spent eight leading the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars. Coughlin was the Eagles' wide receivers coach from 1984-1985, his first stint as an NFL assistant. He turns 70 in August.
As we've seen many times, NFL teams often hire coaches from opposite ends of the spectrum, especially after fallout like the Eagles experienced with Chip Kelly. In many ways Coughlin is the polar opposite of Kelly, boasting old-school ways and garnering the overwhelming love and support of his players.
Seeing Coughlin on the Philly sideline would be odd to behold, but given how the coaching searches have gone this season outside of Cleveland -- bet you never thought anyone would write that statement -- the old man might be the best steak on the market.
UPDATE: Coughlin withdrew his name for consideration for the Eagles' head coaching job, Rapoport reported. The Eagles are hiring Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson when Kansas City's season ends, Rapoport added Thursday night.
