Tag: Joe Gibbs

Coy Gibbs, son of legendary Washington coach Joe Gibbs, dies at 49

Coy Gibbs was the co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing and spent four years with Washington as an offensive assistant from 2004-07.

There was sad news out of NASCAR Sunday when Joe Gibbs Racing tweeted that the racing team’s co-owner, Coy Gibbs, had died in his sleep at the age of 49.

Gibbs, the son of legendary Washington coach Joe Gibbs, spent four seasons with the NFL team from 2004-07 as an offensive assistant during his father’s second stint coaching the then-Redskins.

Once Joe Gibbs left the NFL to return to his racing team, Coy Gibbs followed. At the time of his death, Coy Gibbs was running JGR along with his father.

Coy was the youngest of Joe Gibbs’ two sons. Sadly, Coach Gibbs’ older son, J.D., who ran the NASCAR team for years, died in 2019, also at the age of 49, of degenerative neurological disease.

Coy Gibbs was present Saturday when his son, Ty, won the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. Ty Gibbs was expected to take over the No. 18 ride for JGR in 2023, replacing Kyle Busch.

Coy Gibbs played linebacker at Stanford from 1991-94 under the legendary Bill Walsh. He enjoyed a brief racing career before coming to Washington in 2004 when his father took over for his second stint as head coach of the Redskins.

He leaves behind his wife, Heather, and their four children.

We offer our sincerest condolences to Coach Gibbs and his entire family.

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Joe Gibbs’ son Coy dies at the age of 49

Joe Gibbs’ son Coy died at the age of 49

Pro Football and NASCAR Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs’ family has suffered a tragedy. Joe Gibbs Racing announced on Sunday that Coy Gibbs, age 49, had died.

The death came hours after Coy Gibbs’ son and Joe’s grandson, Ty Gibbs, won the Xfinity Championship Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway.

Coy Gibbs was at the track and posed with his family for photos after the race.

(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Coy Gibbs played football at Stanford.

Per Motorsport.com: 

Gibbs was a linebacker at Stanford University from 1991 to 1994. Gibbs made his NASCAR debut in the Truck Series in 2000, sharing the driving duties of the No. 18 Chevrolet with his brother, J.D., who died in 2019 from complications following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease, also at the age of 49.

In 2001, Coy began racing fulltime in the Truck Series … In 2004, after Joe Gibbs was re-hired as Washington’s coach, he joined the team as an Offensive Quality Control assistant, serving in that capacity until 2007.

Coy Gibbs founded the JGRMX team in 2008 and in 2016 was named to his current role of vice chairman and COO and overseeing the organization’s NASCAR programs.

Coy and his wife, Heather, have four children – Ty, Case, Jett and Elle.

Drivers with Joe Gibbs Racing tweeted their sympathies.

Remembering 2 great Washington teams

The 2022 season is the 50-year anniversary of the 1972 team and 40-year anniversary of the 1982 team.

The season opener of 2022 Commanders’ season recalls great historical memories of a once great franchise.

50 years ago, the 1972 Washington Redskins became the first team in franchise history to play in a Super Bowl.

40 years ago, the 1982 Washington Redskins became the first team in franchise history to win a Super Bowl.

While we will continue to provide daily coverage of the present-day Washington Commanders during this 2022 NFL season, we at Commanders Wire have determined we must not forget the great years and accomplishments in Washington franchise history.

Consequently, during this season, we will provide a weekly look back at some of the great moments of these two great seasons in Washington NFL football history.

Did you know the George Allen teams (1971-77) had a winning record each season and were in the playoffs for five of those seven seasons? Keep in mind in those days, only the top four teams in the conference qualified for the playoffs.

The 1972 team despite losing quarterback Sonny Jurgensen (who was 4-0 as a starter) went on a 9-game winning streak, clinching the division after 12 games (11-1).

With the home-field advantage earned for the playoffs, Washington defeated NFC Central champ Green Bay 16-3 and then defending Super Bowl Champion Dallas 26-3 in the NFC Championship game. Two weeks later in the Los Angeles Coliseum, Washington lost to Miami 14-7 in Super Bowl VII. The Dolphins were undefeated (17-0) and remain the last NFL team to go through the regular season and playoffs undefeated.

Ten years later Joe Gibbs (like George Allen) was also in his second season as Washington head coach. In a strike-shortened season, the Redskins finished the regular season at 8-1, the top seed in the NFC.

The playoff birth was the first for Washington since the 1976 team coached by Allen. With home-field advantage, the Redskins blitzed the Lions 31-7 and the next week were in control, defeating the Vikings 21-7.

The NFC Championship game (as ten years earlier) would have Dallas come to RFK. Also as a decade earlier, it was Washington who again came out on top, defeating Dallas 31-17.

The next week at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, Gibbs’ team (11-1) faced Don Shula’s Dolphins (10-3) in Super Bowl XVII. Trailing 17-10 in the second quarter, the Redskins outscored the Dolphins 17-0 for the remainder of the battle for a 27-17 victory and the first Super Bowl Championship in franchise history.

 

 

Commanders, Pro Football Hall of Fame, others remember Charley Taylor

The Washington Commanders, Pro Football Hall of Fame, others remember Charley Taylor.

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Saturday was a tough day for longtime fans of the Washington Commanders as Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Charley Taylor died at age 80.

A 13-year NFL veteran — all with Washington — Taylor was arguably the NFL’s top wide receiver during his playing days (1964-75, 1977), retiring as the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (649). While Taylor’s record has since been surpassed many times over, his numbers were incredible considering the era in which he played. NFL offenses didn’t employ the “run and shoot” and “Air Raid” in Taylor’s era.

After his outstanding career ended, Taylor went into coaching, joining Joe Gibbs’ first coaching staff in Washington. Taylor would remain on Washington’s coaching staff throughout Gibbs’ 12 seasons as head coach and Richie Petitbon’s lone season as head coach in 1993.

Taylor remained a part of the Washington community after leaving the organization officially after the 1993 season.

Charley Taylor wasn’t just one of the greatest Washington players ever; he was an NFL legend and also, more importantly, a terrific human being.

After his death Saturday, the Commanders, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and others remembered Taylor.

 

Washington great Charley Taylor dies

Washington great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Charley Taylor dies at age 80.

Pro Hall of Famer and Washington Redskins great Charley Taylor has died at the age of 80 (1941-2022).

Taylor spent his entire 14-year career with Washington (1964-1977), drafted in the first round (3rd overall) of the 1964 NFL draft from Arizona State.

Taylor finished his career as the all-time NFL leader in receptions (649), was first-team All-Pro in 1967, an eight-time Pro Bowler, voted to the All-1960’s team, and enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the 1984 class.

He concluded his career amassing 9,110 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns with Washington. Though Taylor never played in a 16-game regular season, he still remains second in franchise history in receptions (649) and receiving yards (9,110) and has the most receiving touchdowns (79) in Washington history. Taylor also rushed 442 times for 1,488 yards and 11 touchdowns overall.

Wearing No. 42 his entire Redskins career, Taylor was drafted as a running back and excelled out of the backfield as a receiver his first few years in Washington. During his rookie 1964 season, Taylor accumulated 1,569 yards from scrimmage (755 rushing, 814 receiving) becoming the first player in NFL history to gain 700 yards both rushing and receiving and was voted the Associated Press NFL Rookie of the Year.

The former Arizona State Sun Devil led the NFL in receptions in the 1966 and 1967 seasons. He was moved full-time to wide receiver beginning in the 1967 season.

Taylor would conclude his NFL career, serving on Joe Gibbs’ Washington Redskins coaching staff as wide receivers coach (1981-1993).

Washington Super Bowl Coach stands alone

As Sean McVay and Zac Taylor look to win their first Super Bowl Sunday, we shall never forget Joe Gibbs won three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks.

How is it that one coach stands out in contrast to all Super Bowl champion coaches?

Vince Lombardi won the first two Super Bowls with Bart Starr as the Green Bay Packers starting quarterback. Don Shula and Miami won two with Bob Griese. Tom Landry steered Dallas to two Super Bowl trophies with Roger Staubach at the helm. Chuck Noll and the Pittsburgh Steelers won four Super Bowls in the 1970s with Terry Bradshaw behind center.

Tom Flores and the Raiders won two with Jim Plunkett as the leader of the offense. Bill Walsh was the head coach with Joe Montana the field general for three Super Bowl crowns for the 49ers. The 49ers won two more with head coach George Seifert coaching and Montana and Steve Young as signal-callers.

Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer both coached the Cowboys to Super Bowl rings with Troy Aikman taking the snaps from center. Denver’s Mike Shanahan as head coach and John Elway in the pocket for the Broncos won it all twice.

Tom Coughlin’s NY Giants took the crown twice with Eli Manning the on-field general. Last but certainly not least, New England’s Bill Belichick won six rings with Tom Brady as the quarterback.

Seifert is the only one above to win a second Super Bowl with a second quarterback (Montana and Young).

There is also Marv Levy and the Bills who went to multiple Super Bowls with Jim Kelly under center — and lost. Likewise, Dan Reeves led Elway and the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances — they also lost all three.

Yet, there is one other coach to win more than multiple Super Bowls with more than one quarterback, Joe Gibbs of the Washington Redskins. Gibbs not only won more than one Super Bowl with more than one quarterback, he accomplished the feat three times!

Gibbs led Washington to Super Bowl trophies with Joe Theismann, Doug Williams and Mark Rypien winning Super Bowls XVII, XXII and XXVI.

Starr, Griese, Staubach, Bradshaw, Montana, Young, Aikman and Elway are already in the Hall of Fame. Without question Brady will be in the HOF and Eli Manning a 2-time SB MVP is likely to be elected to the HOF. Only Jim Plunkett is likely to not make the HOF.

By contrast, Theismann was only an All-Pro once (1983), and Williams and Rypien were never All-Pro. Rypien had a great year only in 1991. Williams though never even a pro-bowler, was a veteran leader and had huge moments like the playoff win at Chicago (1987) and a nearly perfect 2nd quarter in Super Bowl XXII, earning the MVP.

Joe Gibbs is distinctive among Super Bowl coaches with multiple wins, doing so with three non-Hall of Fame quarterbacks.  Hats off to Coach Joe, who is remarkably now age 81. The Washington franchise and fans were certainly blessed to have enjoyed Joe Jackson Gibbs as head coach.

Ron Rivera, the man in ‘Command’

Ron Rivera talks John Madden, and tells the origins of “Riverboat Ron.”

How did Ron Rivera become “Riverboat Ron?”

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera aka “Riverboat Ron” recounted the story Friday as a guest on Pro Football Talk with host Mike Florio.

As a high school football player, he and his friends were out one day in Monterey, California, when suddenly Rivera spotted this large man and his family together. It was Oakland Raiders head coach John Madden. Rivera approached him, introduced himself, they chatted briefly and Rivera told Madden he was going to play in the NFL someday. To which Madden responded, encouraging Rivera to follow his dream, signing an autograph for Rivera. Rivera still possesses Madden’s autograph in an old scrapbook.

30 years later, Rivera had been a head coach for two seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Panthers owner Jerry Richardson advised Rivera he needed a mentor, instructing Rivera his good friend was expecting Rivera’s call. Richardson’s friend was none other than John Madden.

Rivera telephoned Madden and was told directly that he was only 3-13 in games decided by 6 points or less. Madden encouraged Rivera to look at those games again, asking himself what he could do differently. Following Madden’s advice, watching the film, taking notes on those games, resulted in about a 15-to-20-page report.

Rivera traveled to Madden, bringing the report for Madden to see, only to be told by Madden the report was not for Madden, but for Rivera, asking, “What did YOU learn?” Rivera felt perhaps he had been too safe, to which Madden responded, “Ron, there is no book. You’ve coached enough, you’ve played enough, go from your gut.” Thus “Riverboat Ron” was born, the man willing to gamble when his gut tells him, it is time.

Florio inquired how quarterbacks are more available today than in previous decades and Rivera agreed, pointing to Detroit letting Matthew Stafford go to the Rams for his opportunity to win a Super Bowl, while the Lions have an opportunity to build through the draft choices obtained in the trade.

Would Washington like to do something like that this offseason? “Yes, if the right situation is available, we want to get in on it,” expressed Rivera.

Wearing the new burgundy and gold Commanders’ jacket, Rivera spoke of the Commanders developing and building their own culture. However, the former Chicago Bear linebacker was quick to point out that Joe Gibbs accomplished so much in the past for Washington, winning three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. Remembering their great teams Rivera spoke of needing to honor them for their great accomplishments.

He spoke of the NFL owners needing to hire more minorities but also voiced current coaches and front office personnel perhaps need to be introducing owners to other minorities more often along the way.

Florio inquired as to the overtime rule that permits the team first on offense to win the game right away. Rivera understands that can happen, but feels defenses need to make something happen in the overtime. Rivera spoke of fans not complaining about the rule when the defense makes something happen in the overtime period.

John Riggins does not like ‘Commanders’

John Riggins had some strong takes on the new name and seeing his name on the back of a Commanders’ jersey.

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The Washington all-time leading rusher John Riggins does not like the new name, “Commanders.”

On his podcast, “The John Riggins Show” with co-host Tod Castleberry, Riggins looked back to the second year of Daniel Snyder’s ownership. Riggins told of how it was at a downtown restaurant and Riggins even then (2000) suggested to Snyder they should change the name of the team.

Riggins said regarding the Redskins, he really felt it was to honor their people. But after he retired and was hearing of how it offended increasing numbers, he had gotten to the point he was for the name change.

Knowing the name change was coming, Riggins said he never dreamed he was going to feel the way he actually now feels once the new name was adopted last week.

“I feel completely disenfranchised,” said Riggins. “I can’t understand how anyone who once played under the old franchise name could possibly want to be a part of anything to do with the Washington Commanders.”

He acknowledged that for his old teammates and others who played for the Redskins he understands every one of them has to make their own decisions, and are free to handle this how they choose to but also added, “For the guys who showed up last week I look at them and say, ‘What’s wrong with you? Don’t you get it? You were invited to your own funeral.’”

A once great franchise through the Joe Gibbs years experienced hard times most of the last 25 years. The last decade they have been losing fans in large numbers each season to where now they were last in attendance with each home game seeing an inexcusable large number of visiting team’s fans.

Castlebury interjected that “All they have now is hope, every year they are selling hope.”

Regarding possible John Riggins’ Washington Commanders jerseys, Riggins responded, “That makes me feel filthy. I feel dirty, I don’t want anything to do with it. Maybe I will change. Maybe I need a little more time, I don’t know.  It just doesn’t feel right to me.”

Riggins sadly talked of how he might describe himself, “John Riggins, played for the  ______. Well, who did he play for? I don’t know, can’t say that can you?”

Riggins (age 72) will always be remembered for the greatest, most significant play in Redskins history. In Super Bowl XVII Washington trailed Miami 17-13 in the final quarter facing a fourth & 1 at the Miami 42. Riggins broke a tackle (Don McNeal) and raced for the go-ahead touchdown. Washington scored again to win 27-17 and Riggins was the MVP gaining 166 yards on the day.

No. 44 set an NFL record at the time of 24 rushing touchdowns in the 1983 season at age 34 as Washington finished 14-2, won the NFC, and were defeated by the Los Angeles Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII. He also led the NFL in rushing touchdowns the next season (1984) at age 35.

Joe Gibbs talks Washington’s new name on the anniversary of team’s last Super Bowl win

Joe Gibbs spoke on Wednesday, talking about the 1991 Super Bowl champions, Ron Rivera and the pending name change.

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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.

Two years in, how does Ron Rivera compare?

Ron Rivera just finished his second season as Washington’s head coach. We compare the first two years of every Washington head coach dating back to George Allen.

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Washington coach Ron Rivera completed his second season as the franchise’s head coach Sunday.

The thought occurred to me, since I have been following this team in my childhood, how have other Washington coaches produced in their first two seasons coaching this franchise?

1971: George Allen 9-4-1 regular season; wildcard 4th seed. In his 1972 season, Washington won NFC East Title at 11-3, the number one seed, a 26-3 NFC Championship win over defending Super Bowl Champion Dallas and a trip to Super Bowl VII where they lost 14-7 to the 17-0 Miami Dolphins.

1978: Jack Pardee started 6-0, but faded, finishing 8-8, and his 1979 team finished 10-6, but failed to make a top-four spot for the playoffs.

1981: Enter Joe Jackson Gibbs, who lost his first five games, before closing 8-3 to finish 8-8. His second season Washington was 8-1, plus 4-0 in the playoffs, winning Super Bowl XVII 27-17 over Miami.

1994: Norv Turner was in a total rebuild situation going 3-13 and 6-10 in his first two seasons.

2002: Steve Spurrier’s two seasons 2002-03, Washington was 7-9 and 5-11. You thought it was worse, didn’t you? You see, that proves our standards and expectations were higher then.

2004: Joe Gibbs agreed to return in 2004 going 6-10 and then 10-6 in 2005 with a playoff win at Tampa.

2008: Jim Zorn opened 6-2 in 2008, but then the team finished 8-8, followed by a 4-12 2009 and he was fired.

2010: Mike Shanahan’s first two teams were 6-10 and 5-11.

2014: Jay Gruden after a 4-12 first season won the NFC East at 9-7 in 2015.

2020: Ron Rivera followed a disastrous 2019 when Washington was 3-13, fired Jay Gruden and finished the season with interim coach Bill Callahan. Rivera battled his own cancer, endured the gruesome treatments, yet Washington won the weak NFC East in 2020 at 7-9. In 2021, Washington started 2-6, won four straight then lost four straight to division rivals Dallas and Philadelphia, finishing 7-10.