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Gibbs Blindsides 'Skins, Resigns

Hall of Famer unexpectedly retires again after team's unlikely playoff run

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 8, 2008 11:25 AM CST
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(Newser) – Joe Gibbs is retiring again, stepping down as both coach and president of the Washington Redskins, the team he’s spent a total of 16 years leading, the Washington Post reports. Gibbs will stay with the team somehow, perhaps as a consultant to owner Dan Snyder. No announcement of a replacement followed Gibbs' surprise decision.

Gibbs has often said he’d like to spend more time with his family, particularly his grandson, who has leukemia. But he has a year left on his contract, making the sudden announcement a shock for the team. “I think this year really took a toll on him and the whole staff,” said backup QB Mark Brunell.

Washington Redskins footbal coach Joe Gibbs walks off the field following their team practice at Redskins Park, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Washington Redskins footbal coach Joe Gibbs walks off the field following their team practice at Redskins Park, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)   (Associated Press)
Washington Redskins football team head coach Joe Gibbs, right, accompanied by team owner Daniel Snyder, left, speaks during a news conference at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. in this Nov. 27, 2007 file photo. Gibbs resigned as coach and team president of the Washington Redskins on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008,...
Washington Redskins football team head coach Joe Gibbs, right, accompanied by team owner Daniel Snyder, left, speaks during a news conference at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. in this Nov. 27, 2007 file...   (Associated Press)
Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs holds the Vince Lombardi trophy in Chantilly, Virginia, in this Jan. 31, 1983 file photo. Gibbs resigned as coach and team president of the Washington Redskins on Tuesday Jan. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Scott Stewart)
Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs holds the Vince Lombardi trophy in Chantilly, Virginia, in this Jan. 31, 1983 file photo. Gibbs resigned as coach and team president of the Washington Redskins...   (Associated Press)
Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs is seen on the sideline during the second half of a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Landover, Md., in this Dec. 2, 2007 file photo. Gibbs resigned as coach and team president of the Washington Redskins on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008,...
Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs is seen on the sideline during the second half of a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Landover, Md., in this Dec. 2, 2007 file photo. Gibbs resigned...   (Associated Press)
Washington Redskins head football coach Joe Gibbs takes part in a news conference at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. in this Nov. 27, 2007 file photo. Gibbs resigned as coach and team president of the Washington Redskins on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, the Associated Press has learned. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce...
Washington Redskins head football coach Joe Gibbs takes part in a news conference at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. in this Nov. 27, 2007 file photo. Gibbs resigned as coach and team president of the Washington...   (Associated Press)
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Gibbs makes classy exit
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Who's next for Skins?
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Boswell: At least Gibbs goes out on a high note
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NFL • Washington Redskins • retirement • leukemia • Sean Taylor • Joe Gibbs • Mark Brunell • Dan Snyder

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