The Giants and Tom Coughlin have agreed to a long-awaited contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.

The contract extends Coughlin through the 2012 season. His current deal would have expired at the end of this season.

“As I was when I was hired in 2004, I am grateful for the opportunity,” said Coughlin. “To be the head coach of the New York Giants is the fulfillment of a dream for somebody who grew up where I grew up and when I grew up.

"As I have said roughly a thousand times, we’re all on one-year contracts in this business, but the reality is that I am thankful to work for people like the Maras and the Tisches and with people like (general manager) Jerry Reese and his staff, as well as my coaching staff and our players.” Co-owner John Mara was quoted in a Tweet released by the team saying: "As we said after the season, we strongly believe in Tom. We believe in the job he has done."

Coughlin is 65-47 in seven seasons as the Giants head coach, with a Super Bowl victory, two NFC East titles and four playoff appearances.

The Giants finished 10-6 last season, but a December swoon cost them a playoff berth.

“Our players respond to and play hard for Tom,” said team chairman Steve Tisch. “We look forward to being able to continue to benefit from Tom’s energy and drive and work ethic, all of which are second to none.”

“Nobody works harder than Tom at trying to make the team as good as it can be,” said Reese, “and nobody pushes himself and his staff harder than Tom to try to figure out the best way to win.”