“He said there were a lot of things that he could improve upon, and he talked about some of those things and some of the changes he wanted to make,” said Mara. “That, to me, was huge.”

Coughlin didn’t drop any of his rules. But he did resolve to inject fun into the games. He also let the players establish what he calls a leadership council — a committee of team leaders who are authorized to represent the team to him. Through the council, whose members include Strahan and Pierce, the team can take its concerns to the coach. It’s not a democracy — it’s more like petitioning the king — but it gives the team a voice it never had. Before, if they had asked why he insisted on doing something one way, the answer would have been, “Because I said so.” Now, he actually tells them why they’re doing it.

Coughlin seems to appreciate the change as much as his players. “Basically, the way I’ve approached everything is enjoy it,” he said. He’s gone so far as to sponsor a team bowling night and a casino night.

But the player who knows him best, offensive lineman Chris Snee, says, “There’s been some slight change. His standards are the same. But he’s allowed the players to have a more active role. That’s the part that’s helped the most.”

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Snee’s more than just one of Coughlin’s players; he’s also family, having married the coach’s daughter, Katie, in 2004, the same year he was drafted by the Giants and their new coach, Coughlin.

The couple had started dating in college, and Snee said Coughlin is able to totally separate his home life and his football life. At the Giants’ practice facility, Snee is just another player, treated the same as any other. At home, he’s family.

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Snee and his wife have two young sons, and he said Coughlin dotes on them. The kids call him “Pop-pop” and can get away with anything, Snee said. The crusty old coach doesn’t even insist that they be in bed five minutes before their nap time.

“If there’s anyone who can boss him around,” Snee said, “it’s the grandkids.”