Thomas Coughlin
Football, 1968
1994 Letterwinner of Distinction
1994 Letterwinner of Distinction
Tom Caughlin's playing career began as a scholastic star in his native Waterloo, New York. He was a three-year letterman for legendary coach Ben Schwartzwalder and a wingback who played alongside of All-American backs Larry Csonka and Floyd Little. As a senior, Tom broke SU’s single-season pass receiving record which had stood since the 50s. An excellent student, he won the Orange Key Award as SU’s most outstanding scholar-athlete and the Joseph Alexander Award for excellence in football, scholarship and citizenship.
In February 1994, Tom was officially announced as the head coach of the 30th franchise in the National Football League, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tom brings to the Jaguars an exceptional football mind and an extraordinary ability to lead and inspire.
He took the position with the Jaguars after three season as head coach at Boston College where he turned a struggling BC program into a Top 20 contender. Following a 0-2 start in 1993, BC won eight straight games, including the 41-39 upset over top-ranked Notre Dame. The Eagles defeated Virginia in the 1993 Carquest Bowl for an overall 9-3 reason record.
Tom’s 25 years in coaching started as a graduate assistant at Syracuse in 1969. After leading the Orange freshmen to an undefeated season, he joined the staff at Rochester Institute of Technology where he became head coach in 1970. In 1974, Tom returned to SU as an assistant to Coach Rank Maloney. As offensive coordinator from 1977-80, Tom played a key role in SU’s berth and victory in the 1979 Independence Bowl, the Orangemen’s first post-season appearance in 13 years. From 1981-83 as quarterbacks coach at Boston College, he helped the Eagles win their first bowl bid in 40 years and coached Doug Flutie to a Heisman Trophy.
His experience in the National Football League began as a successful assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1984-85 and with the Green Bay Packers in 1986-87. Tom served with the New York Giants from 1988-90 as receivers coach, contributing to the Giants’ Super bowl victory in his first year. In 1993, Tom was asked to return as the Giants’ head coach but declined the job.
Tom has been very loyal to his alma mater. He made a significant contribution to the Colvin Park/Manley Field House Athletic Project and has been an active Varsity Club member since graduation. Tom regularly contributes to the SU Annual Fund.
