The hearts of the Jaguars faithful are heavy today with the passing of Judy Coughlin, who alongside her husband Tom, helped lay the foundation of our franchise more than a quarter century ago.
"My cherished wife and our beloved mother and grandmother, Judy Whitaker Coughlin, passed away this morning at the age of 77," said Coughlin in a statement. "Judy was a remarkable woman in every way. She lived a life filled with love and unselfishly gave her heart and soul to others. Judy made you feel like an old friend from the first hug to the last. She was a mother to all on and off the field. For everyone who knew and loved Judy, the enormity of her absence cannot be put into words, but the immense kindness she showed to others will always endure. Our hearts are broken, but we know she is free from suffering and at peace with our Lord."
Judy joined Tom in Jacksonville in 1995 when he became the team's first ever head coach (1995-2002) and lead the team to four playoff appearances in his first five seasons. Judy also supported the establishment of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund to support families with children battling cancer. In more than 25 years, the Jay Fund has helped over 5,000 families and given away over $16 million in grants helping thousands of families in Northeast Florida and the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan Area.
"It was a privilege for me to know Judy Coughlin, if only for a short while," said Jaguars Owner Shad Khan. "Judy was everything I had been told to expect when her husband Tom returned to the Jaguars in 2017 – kind, energetic, optimistic and an inspiration. I personally saw the love and support Tom had for Judy, so I am saddened for Tom, his family and everyone who was positively impacted by Judy here in Jacksonville and beyond. Judy was truly a force for good and will be deeply missed by all."
The Jaguars organization extends our deepest sympathies to Coach Coughlin and his entire family and encourages the Jaguars community to show their support by learning more about the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund. May Judy's tireless commitment to caring for children and families affected by cancer continue to inspire us all.
