Skip to content

Former Giants coach Coughlin: Beckham has become a distraction

Noah K. Murray / USA TODAY Sports

Former New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin would like to see the player he coached to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2014 learn how to better manage his passion.

Coughlin was a guest on Tuesday's edition of "We Need To Talk" on CBS Sports Network and opened up about life after coaching, his new job as an NFL advisor, and mercurial wideout Odell Beckham Jr., whom Coughlin coached from 2014-15 before parting ways with the Giants earlier this year.

Beckham has endured a rocky third season in the NFL and has come under intense scrutiny for what some call childish behavior. Beckham recently said he's "not having fun" playing football anymore.

"(Beckham) really believes that he is at his best at the top of his passion," Coughlin told the show's panel. "He is so talented. I don't think there's anything the kid can't do. He is a good kid. He is a team guy in the team room. It's just when he gets on the field, there's only one way he knows how to play."

Coughlin went on to suggest Beckham's behavior could be negatively impacting the Giants.

"I would love to try to help him in this regard because I think so highly of him," Coughlin continued. "(But) he is a distraction. If you watch a game the camera is on him the whole time."

Coughlin and the show's hosts agreed a player with Beckham's passion is a desirable asset, as long as that player learns to channel the passion into on-field productivity.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox