Former New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin came to the defense of his one-time protege Tuesday, vehemently opposing Eli Manning's benching.
Manning has been benched in favor of Geno Smith, setting the table for his 210-game starting streak to be snapped as the Giants are stuck in a nightmare 2-9 season.
Related: Manning declined chance to keep consecutive starts streak alive
Coughlin, the Jacksonville Jaguars' executive vice president of football operations, expressed shock and disbelief during a radio appearance Tuesday.
"Surprised is not the word. My sentiments are totally with Eli Manning. I love the kid. He is a class act. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion. He is the finest, most humblest young man in that locker room. I haven't followed the Giants. I know it's a disappointing year but my thoughts are strictly with Eli. I'm very upset about when I heard that," Coughlin said on 1010 XL via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Coughlin coached Manning for the first 12 years of his career, winning Super Bowl titles in 2007 and 2011.
Manning's benching drew visceral reactions from across the league and Coughlin isn't the only former Giants great to weigh in, with Phil Simms, Carl Banks, and Brandon Jacobs among those expressing their support for the four-time Pro Bowler.
The Giants resume their season Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.
