After a tough 2006 season, the New York Giants appeared to be heading for more disappointment–and potential shake-ups–in the coming season. Instead, they fought their way to an unforgettable Super Bowl finish against the previously undefeated New England Patriots.

In A Team to Believe In, head coach Tom Coughlin gives the ultimate insider’s account of the Giants’ 2007 campaign and reflects on the resilience and selflessness that allowed the team to succeed. Behind the saga of persistence and on-the-field triumphs, however, is the story of how Coughlin, a proud and intensely private man, often mischaracterized by the press as a strict disciplinarian, has continually made subtle adjustments to his approach to the game and to the new players. Whether giving the right speech for the right occasion, drawing media criticism away from his players, or fostering team unity with offbeat events and smartly timed relaxed curfews, Coughlin approached the season willing to make the necessary changes to his management style–and the team followed.

In gripping detail, Coughlin takes us on the Giants improbable 2007 journey: the tough staffing and free-agency decisions; the early-season setbacks that again placed the team in the media’s crosshairs; late-season near misses, comeback victories, and goal-line stands; the play-off march through Tampa Bay and Dallas and the overtime victory against Green Bay in the subzero cold of Lambeau Field; and the amazing two weeks that ended with Super Bowl XLII. Along the way, Coughlin explains what life experiences prepared him for the season’s challenges and what lessons helped his team achieve a string of improbable victories.

The 2007 New York Giants are an inspiring example of team and trust, hope and perseverance, and A Team to Believe In is the thrilling story of their astounding underdog season.

Tom Coughlin is head coach of the New York Giants. He was also head coach of the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars for nine seasons, where he led the team to two appearances in the AFC Championship Game and was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1996; head football coach at Boston College; and an assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants. Coughlin and his wife, Judy, have been married forty-one years and have four children and five grandchildren.

Brian Curtis is the author of Every Week a Season and The Men of March, as well as co-author (with Jerry Rice) of the New York Times bestseller Go Long! and (with Nick Saban) of How Good Do You Want to Be? A former reporter for FOX Sports and a former host and analyst on CBS Sports’ College Sports Television, he lives in New York with his wife and two daughters.