[naviga:h3]Coughlin farewell proves emotional[/naviga:h3]

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Tom Coughlin didn’t fade away in his goodbye to the New York Giants.

The 69-year-old, who led the Giants to two Super Bowls in a 12-year tenure, was Tom Coughlin to the end.

In an emotional and poignant farewell, Coughlin talked about things that mattered to him: values, relationships, character, loyalty, team, family and love.

Speaking a day after stepping down as coach after four straight seasons out of the playoffs, Coughlin called the Giants’ job a dream come true for a youngster from a small town in upstate New York. He nearly broke into tears thanking his wife, Judy, for being his quarterback through the ride.

Coughlin surprised no one in saying his coaching career may not be over. He still has that competitive fire.

[naviga:h3]Browns bring in baseball executive[/naviga:h3]

CLEVELAND — The Browns have made an out-of-the-batter’s box hire.

Owner Jimmy Haslam has brought in Paul DePodesta, a baseball executive and analytics expert with 20 years of major league experience, to be the NFL team’s new chief strategy officer.

Haslam, who fired coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer on Sunday night following a 3-13 season, pulled DePodesta away from the New York Mets to help his organization with decision making. DePodesta, a longtime aide to Sandy Alderson, had been the Mets’ vice president of player development and amateur scouting. He helped them win the NL title last season.

[naviga:h3]NFL official working playoffs despite error[/naviga:h3]

NEW YORK — Ronald Torbert, at the center of an incorrect penalty call in an October game, will work the Chiefs-Texans wild-card game Saturday.

Torbert, in his second season as a referee and sixth year as an NFL official, did not recognize Ravens guard John Urschel signaling he was lining up as an eligible player in a Monday night game Baltimore lost 26-18 at Arizona. The Ravens were flagged for an illegal formation, and the league’s officiating vice president, Dean Blandino, later said Torbert was distracted while correcting the number of a penalized player on the previous play.