Tom Coughlin’s NFL coaching career began with the Philadelphia Eagles. Could it be heading there again?

The Eagles have requested permission from the Giants to interview Coughlin for their head coach opening, and the Giants confirmed that permission was granted. Coughlin is expected to meet with the Eagles on Monday evening.

Coughlin “stepped down” from his position as head coach of the Giants on Monday. He has one year left on his contract with the Giants, who control his rights and therefore must agree to any interview with another team. The Giants have offered Coughlin a position within the organization, but Coughlin noted on Tuesday that he could still want to coach.

Seeing Coughlin coach a division rival would undoubtedly be unsettling for Giants fans, but not unprecedented. Bill Parcells coached against the Giants with the Cowboys. But the possibility of Coughlin going directly to the Eagles from the Giants likely would be jarring for the organization and its fans.

Several years ago it would have been almost unfathomable to think Coughlin could be the answer to a franchise that just fired its coach and is looking for a replacement with a better “emotional intelligence.” That’s what Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said when he fired Chip Kelly with one game left in the season. But Coughlin’s passionate farewell speech on Tuesday – which displayed a clear bond with his players, references to them telling him they loved him, and comments that nearly brought Eli Manning to tears – showed that Coughlin may have that element the Eagles are looking for.

As for his football resume, two Super Bowl rings as a head coach put him well ahead of any other candidates in whom the Eagles have expressed interest. The Eagles already have interviewed Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, who also has interviewed for the Giants job.

The Giants are expected to interview former Bills head coach Doug Marrone on Saturday.

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