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I have heard this question and discussion since 2005, with the worst in 2006, when the Giants were sent packing in the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The media reported after that loss to Philadelphia Tom Coughlin would be gone. The New York Giants' fans begged for it. Some of the Giants' players themselves reinforced the thought. No one person louder than Tiki Barber. After their "one and done" in 2006, he trashed his coaches, some of the players, but most of all Tom Coughlin.

Apparently, Tiki forgot when he was known as the "fumbling running back". It was Tom Coughlin and his coaching staff that worked with Tiki. He also forgot if it weren't for the Giants' front line, tight end and full back opening holes in the defensive line for him, Tiki would not have been able to run up his numbers before retiring after the 2006 season.

Coughlin faced criticism over his gruff coaching style. Tiki filled the off season with comments about Tom Coughlin being "out-coached" in the playoffs. Instead of engaging the trash talk, Coughlin emerged as a "kinder, gentler" coach and more of a father figure.

After two games in 2007, the New York Giants found themselves 0-2. Tiki was quoted in the media that if the Giants had fired Coughlin, he would have played another season. Again the fickle New York fans called for Tom Coughlin to go and blamed him personally for Tiki Barber's retirement.

Tiki continued to spout off about the Giants. This time it was about Eli Manning being a joke in the huddle with no leadership skills. You never heard a word from Tom Coughlin about Tiki's comments because his first priority was to win games.

Third game of the season, Giants losing at half-time, Tom Coughlin rallied the troops in the locker room. The New York Giants barreled out of the tunnel and never stopped. The Washington Redskins were held at the goal line, twice. The New York Giants scored and scored and scored again. The Giants had come together as a team- not a group of individuals.

The New York Giants finished the season 10-6 and the NFC Wild Card. The team that emerged in the Redskin game only improved throughout the season.

Now, the Giants are on their way to playing in the Super Bowl. So did Tom Coughlin need another win to stay head coach for the New York Giants? All I can say is: When Tiki Barber retired, Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants became a team, whether they win the Super Bowl or not.

Learn more about this author, Russell Dwyer.
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