Tom Coughlin, Bills met 'several months ago,' agent confirms

Former Giants coach Tom Coughlin did meet with the Bills, but it was in the early part of the offseason and was initiated by Buffalo coach Rex Ryan, according to sources and confirmed by Coughlin's agent.

Coughlin met with Ryan, Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, and team president Russ Brandon in South Florida "around March or early April" to discuss a role that was in line with being an active consultant. The discussions lasted about an hour.

Ryan and Coughlin traveled together after the meeting. The two soon thereafter had a phone conversation in which it was determined their pairing was not a fit, sources said.

Coughlin is now the NFL's senior adviser to football operations.

"I can confirm that the meeting you're talking about did take place, but it was several months ago and there have been no calls from any team about Tom's availability to coach," agent Sandy Montag. "He is fully engaged in his job with the NFL."

Last week, Montag denied reports that Coughlin had met with the Pegulas after the Bills lost to the New York Jets. Other sources are emphatic that the only meeting and discussion occurred in the offseason and was arranged by Ryan.