The New York Giants have confirmed that they have appointed Ben McAdoo as their new head coach following the resignation of Tom Coughlin.

Coughlin stepped down from his role at the franchise earlier this month following a fourth consecutive year in which they failed to reach the playoffs, bringing an end to a 12-year tenure that saw the Giants win two Super Bowl Championships.

They have now turned to 38-year-old McAdoo to replace Coughlin, promoting him from his role as offensive coordinator, which he had carried out for the past two seasons.

"I'm honoured. It has been a privilege to work and learn under coach Coughlin. I have been preparing for this moment my entire professional life," McAdoo said in a statement.

Giants team president John Mara added: "Ben is an outstanding young coach who has great experience and has done a good job as our offensive coordinator these past two years. We were all impressed with his energy, his enthusiasm, his vision and his desire.

"Some have suggested he may not be ready, and as I said last week, we want a coach who feels like he has something to prove."

McAdoo's appointment makes him the second youngest head coach currently in the NFL.