Former Giants coach Tom Coughlin one step closer to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Coughlin is one of nine semifinalists, with only one to advance for consideration by full committee

Tom Coughlin, winner of two Super Bowl titles as head coach of the New York Giants, moved a step closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday.

Coughlin was one of nine coach semifinalists announced on Thursday in the coach category. Coughlin, who coached the Giants from 2004-2015, was also a semifinalist a year ago.

Coughlin is joined by Bill Arnsparger, Mike Holmgren, Chuck Knox, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, George Seifert, Mike Shanahan and Clark Shaughnessy.

Only one will advance as a finalist for possible selection to the Hall of Fame. That person will be announced on Nov. 19.

Coughlin went 102-90, a .531 winning percentage, in 12 seasons with the Giants. He also coached the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars for eight seasons.

Coughlin, of course, deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. With only one spot available, though, it is easy to see how difficult the path can be. Holmgren, Reeves, Schottenheimer, Shanahan and Shaughnessy all were semifinalists in 2023, as well.

From the Hall of Fame, here are brief bios of Coughlin’s competition:

• Bill Arnsparger: Longtime defensive coordinator. Won two Super Bowl titles with Miami Dolphins and appeared in two other Super Bowls (Miami and San Diego). Also head coach of New York Giants.
• Mike Holmgren: Head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1992-98 and the Seattle Seahawks from 1999-2008. Overall record of 174-122 includes victory in Super Bowl XXXI with the Packers and an NFC crown in Seattle.
• Dan Reeves: Head coach of the Denver Broncos (1981-1992), New York Giants (1993-96) and the Atlanta Falcons (1997-2003). Overall coaching record of 201-174-2 and four conference championships in 23 seasons; two-time AP Coach of the Year.
• Chuck Knox: NFL Coach of the Year in 1973, 1980 and 1984. Posted 186-147-1 record during 22 NFL regular seasons as head coach of the Rams, Bills and Seahawks.
• Marty Schottenheimer: Head coach of the Cleveland Browns (1984-88), Kansas City Chiefs (1989-1998), Washington Redskins (2001) and the San Diego Chargers (2002-06). Overall NFL coaching record of 205-139-1 in 21 seasons.
• George Seifert: Two-time Super Bowl champion head coach with the San Francisco 49ers. Coached 11 years with 49ers and Carolina Panthers. Career regular-season record of 114-62.
• Mike Shanahan: Head coach of the Los Angeles Raiders (1988-89), Denver Broncos (1995- 2008) and the Washington Redskins (2010-13). Two Super Bowl titles in his 20 seasons with an overall record of 178-144.
• Clark Shaughnessy: Head coach of the Los Angeles Rams from 1948-49 and longtime assistant coach for the Washington Redskins from 1944-47 and Chicago Bears from 1951-1962.