The Giants confirmed the hiring of Coughlin, a noted disciplinarian, as head coach on Tuesday.
The 57-year-old replaces Jim Fassel, who was fired Dec. 17.
Coughlin previously served as a Giants assistant under Bill Parcells, now head coach with the Dallas Cowboys.
Tom Coughlin is the new head coach of the New York Giants.(AP Photo/Scott Audette)
"Tom Coughlin is the man we wanted 11 years ago and he is the man we wanted now," Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi said. "Aside from his family, Tom has one interest – winning."
"Our objective at that point was to make sure we hired the right man for this job," added Giants executive vice-president John Mara. "And that is what Tom is.
"He has experience as a successful head coach at the college and NFL levels. And he is going to bring an intensity and focus and a commitment to winning that we need and want.
"We stayed true to a process that we felt would produce the kind of head coach we need. And it did."
Coughlin's four-year contract, reportedly worth $12 million US, was finalized late Tuesday.
"It is a tremendous challenge," he said, acknowledging the 4-12 Giants dropped their final eight games. "And I am looking forward to working with these players and re-establishing the New York Giants' tradition of physically controlling the line of scrimmage.
"We want to win the battle at the line of scrimmage, eliminate the disease of turnovers and control field position of special teams."
Coughlin, who worked as an unpaid consultant for NFL teams this summer, posted a 72-64 record in eight seasons as general manager and head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Among the highlights were a division title in 1998 followed by a league-best 14-2 record a year later and, of course, two appearances in the AFC Championship Game.
"I heard he likes to run a ball-control, smash-mouth style of football," Giants centre Chris Bober said. "And as a lineman, that's exciting."
"I like it," added Giants offensive guard Rich Seubert. "What's not to like?
"I'm just glad the coaching search is over and now we can start getting back to playing winning football."
It is worth noting, however, that Coughlin's stern approach to coaching and strict salary-cap management began to wear thin on the Jaguars and they foundered.
After going 19-29 over three losing seasons, he was dismissed with two years remaining on his contract.
"He was a tough coach, a demanding coach," Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell admitted. "But he knew what he wanted.
"His bottom line was always figuring out a way to win."
"I'm a football coach," Coughlin stated. "I had an opportunity and I'd like another one."
The Giants also interviewed New England Patriots co-ordinators Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis as well as St. Louis Rams defensive co-ordinator Lovie Smith.
with files from Sports Network
