Meet Judy Coughlin
Judy Coughlin is the proud wife of retired veteran NFL coach, Tom Coughlin, who coached at Boston College, Jacksonville Jaguars, Syracuse, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Rochester Institute of Technology and the New York Giants.
Coach Coughlin resigned as the Giant’s head coach and made an emotional last appearance at a press conference on January 4, 2016.
Coughlin returned the Giants to NFL prominence by winning two Super Bowls, but he resigned after the team missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
During his speech he thanked just about every member — past and present — in the Giants organization including his wife. He spoke about the right ways to play football and got choked up briefly as he looked back on 12 seasons with the team.
“I met with John Mara and Steve Tisch this afternoon, and I informed them that it is in the best interest of the organization that I step down as head coach. I strongly believe the time is right for me and my family, and as I said, the Giants organization.
Tom’s emotional exit left many with a sour taste, that includes, Eli Manning in tears with his former coach’s last message. He also said Judy and him don’t say goodbye, only ‘next time.’
Just as her hubby is renowned in the NFL world, Judy Coughlin has also been a star football wife and mom. Judy Coughlin and her hubby are the parents of four. Daughters, Keli and Katie, and sons, Brian and Tim. She has eleven grandchildren: Emma Rose, Dylan, Shea, Cooper, Caroline May, Marin Elizabeth, Gunnar Nicholas, Brennon, Clara Amelia, Walker, and Allie.
Judy Coughlin has been with Tom throughout his career, moving from Boston College to Jacksonville to New York and two Super Bowl victories.
Judy and Tom have been married for over 55 years. According to records, the couple tied the knot in 1967.
The couple has a deal. Every season, no matter how the season ends, Coughlin takes five days off to spend time with his wife. It gives the couple a chance to reconnect after the insanity that is the NFL season and to take a step back from the spotlight.
The marriage spends most of her time with family, particularly the growing grandchildren.
Judy Coughlin is involved in a number of charities but mainly in the Jay Fund and regularly makes appearances with Coughlin at the Foundation’s events throughout the year.
The foundation was established in 1996 by her husband, to honor Jay McGillis, a former Boston College player who was diagnosed and died from leukemia.
Judy Coughlin’s daughter Keli also serves as the executive director. Daughter, Katie –who is married to former NY Giants player, Chris Snee –works with children being treated for cancer while sons, Brian works as the associate vice president for student development at Notre Dame; and Tim, who is a bond trader for J.P. Morgan.
Judy passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, after a battle with an incurable brain disorder; she was 77.
“My cherished wife and our beloved mother and grandmother, Judy Whitaker Coughlin, passed away this morning at the age of 77,” the Coughlin family said in a statement. “Judy was a remarkable woman in every way. She lived a life filled with love and unselfishly gave her heart and soul to others.”
Judy made you feel like an old friend from the first hug to the last. She was a mother to all on and off the field. For everyone who knew and loved Judy, the enormity of her absence cannot be put into words, but the immense kindness she showed to others will always endure. Our hearts are broken, but we know she is free from suffering and at peace with our Lord.
