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Joe Gibbs is the greatest coach in Washington history. Joe Gibbs is the most successful individual in Washington’s franchise history. And Joe Gibbs is the most beloved person in Washington history.
On the 30th anniversary of Washington’s last Super Bowl win, the legendary head coach joined “BMitch & Finlay” on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., and looked back at Washington’s 1991 team.
There were plenty of good stories from Gibbs. He joked with BMitch (Brian Mitchell), then a second-year running back and return man. He told stories on some of Washington’s greatest characters. And, in typical Gibbs fashion, he mentioned the words “super smart” and “guts” on more than one occasion.
He joked about the Detroit Lions — a 12-4 team in 1991— that Washington beat by a combined 86-10 score in the team’s two games, including the NFC championship. Detroit’s coach at the time, Wayne Fontes, was a good friend of Gibbs, and Gibbs would apologize to him when the two talked, telling him, “you guys bring out the best in us.”
While Gibbs was his usual happy self, he also made sure everyone knew that team was much more than him or Washington’s high-powered offense. Gibbs praised the players, defensive coordinator Richie Petitbon, special teams and the fans.
And, before Gibbs finished his interview, Finlay asked him if the upcoming name change was bittersweet. Gibbs offered a thoughtful and, as expected, positive response.
I think it’s two things: Will it be a little bit, bittersweet? Yes. Because everything I had, I grew up in North Carolina, and the only football team we could get on TV was the Redskins. I grew up kind of never thinking I’d ever have a chance to coach them. Everything in my house is Redskins. And I think everybody there that is a fan, that’s part of our history. But also, I think for our fans and all of us that love the Redskins, and I feel like I am the biggest Redskins’ fan in the world. Whatever that name is, we are Washington football fans, and we are going to get behind it.
Gibbs also discussed head coach Ron Rivera:
And I think right now with Ron being there, I really feel like Ron is the coach that can get us going. We just need to get the things around him that help him. Think about all the things they’ve went through the last two years.
Finally, Gibbs spoke on his love for the franchise, where between two stints, he spent 16 years as the head coach.
We’re gonna rally, all of us, whatever the name is, we’re gonna rally behind that name. We are Washington football fans. I think it’s the greatest sports franchise in the world. I believe that. I think it’s got a solid base of fans that love that team. It’s the only thing that unites that city. It’s the greatest city in the world to be a part of. I love that.
This almost 30-minute interview was a welcomed trip down memory lane for longtime Washington fans. The past 30 years have caused much pain and anguish, leaving many to abandon the franchise they once loved. But the one thing any current or lapsed Washington fan can agree on is their love and respect for Gibbs.
“We’re all excited about the new name,” Gibbs said. “Let’s go.”
We agree, Coach. Let’s go.