N.Y. Giants Coach Coughlin may move Gen. Odierno from Iraq to tackle

New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin is visiting the U.S. troops in Iraq these days, just before his NFL team's pre-season training camp opens.

"I know that the troops think we're here to inspire them," Coughlin told "Fox & Friends" on the Fox News Channel Thursday. "But, believe me, they inspire us as well."

Coughlin recalled previous exchanges in person and mail with the U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno.

And, the coach said, as he does with his men, Odierno was always talking about team, team, team. "His message has always been one of team," Coughlin said. "And the message which the N.Y. Giants preach is always that of team.”

Even without his four stars, Odierno is known as one giant of a man. (See top photo.)

And it seems like Coughlin has his eyes on the career soldier for his own Giants.

"He tells me he is a tight end and he blocked more than anybody else," Coughlin says. "We’re thinking about moving him inside to tackle, to be honest with you!”

-- Andrew Malcolm

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Photo credits: Associated Press via Air Force Times; Getty Images.