Coughlin wants Jaguars to play with more toughness

Tom Coughlin was hired to help turn around a Jacksonville Jaguars franchise that is a combined 22-74 over the last six seasons.

For Coughlin, that turnaround will start with getting tougher.

"This league can benefit from more of that attitude and this team can benefit from that attitude as well," Coughlin told reporters Friday, according to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union. "You're a pro. This isn't pass-and-tap. It's a tough game. It's a tough business. You have to play through some things if your team is going to succeed. Certainly, I'm not talking about (a) serious injury, but things that can be played with."

Coughlin said he saw a lack of mental fortitude in last season's Jaguars team.

"There is a mental toughness part to this thing, too," Coughlin said. "You have to finish."

One player Coughlin seemed to credit for showing toughness was veteran middle linebacker Paul Posluszny, who was rumored to be unlikely to return to the Jaguars.

Coughlin strongly suggested Posluszny will be back.

"I like the attitude that he brings to the table," Coughlin said. "I like the way he is in the locker room. He's very serious about the game and about this team."