Tom Coughlin and BC

I often write that most of these coaches are just passing through and we the fans and alumni of Boston College are what makes the program. We are with the team longterm. Yet, Tom Coughlin is one of those great exception to the rule. Although he only had two short stints at BC, he has kept close ties to the school the past four decades. The Syracuse grad showed tremendously loyalty to BC players, even ones he never coached. He employed close to a dozen BC grads over the years and sent his own children to BC long after he was an established NFL coach.

Aside from the Super Bowls, Coughlin's legacy will be the Jay Fund, named for former BC defensive back Jay McGillis. He's put countless hours and dollars into helping families dealing with pediatric cancers. The inspiration for that mission began at Boston College when the player and coach formed a lasting bond.

I often write that I would love to see BC have a Bobby Bowden or Frank Beamer type who stays forever and wins multiple championships. Sort of a Jerry York for Football. But we are lucky to have a guy like Coughlin who came through in a blaze of glory, but BC never left his heart.

In his announcement Monday, Coughlin was vague about his future plans. I don't know if or where he will coach again, but I know he will always be involved with BC.