Goodbye, Joe Gibbs

Joe Gibbs is retiring as Redskins head coach.

We have a fond place for Coach Gibbs in our heart, but it's the right decision.

Gibbs was a good coach for the Redskins in the '80's--he fit what the Redskins had and the envirnoment in which they played.

But he's not a terrific coach in today's environment. Mostly, he's just too conservative with play calling. No sooner than the Redskins get a lead than does he go into a stall. You may burn up three minutes in the last quarter on three consecutive running plays, but if you then have to punt it away, you're giving the other team a chance. Too often Gibbs did just that, rather than take a little risk for the reward of keeping the ball longer--or, heaven forbid, scoring again.

Contrast Gibbs with Bill Belichek, who frequently goes for it on fourth down, and succeeds. You just can't win consistently without taking some measured risks.

The Redskins did well to make the play-offs this year, but they should have had at least two, and as many as four, more victories during the season.

A fresh face will do the 'Skins good. We'll miss ol' Joe, but somehow we think he'll be having fun with his racing toys.