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For the second consecutive year, something unthinkable happens in the coaching ranks.
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The Washington Redskins rehired Joe Gibbs, who coaches the franchise to three Super Bowl titles. Gibbs signed a five-year, $25 million contract, the same record deal given to predecessor Steve Spurrier, according to sources.
Spurrier quit last week with three years left on his contract after seasons of 7-9 and 5-11.
The Redskins made the playoffs during eight of Gibbs' 12 seasons, and his .683 winning percentage ranks third in NFL history. His record was 124-60 in the regular season and 16-5 in the playoffs, including Super Bowl victories after the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons.
The Redskins' five coaches since Gibbs went a combined 74-101-1.
"Joe Gibbs helped define what the Washington Redskins stand for -- integrity, hard work, determination, winning and championships," owner Dan Snyder said. "Who better to set our strategy and lead the Redskins back to championship glory?"
Gibbs owns a small percentage of the Atlanta Falcons and would have to surrender his shares with the team, but he has already discussed the solution with Falcons owner Arthur Blank.
"The desire to coach has always been with me, even after being away from the game for 11 years," Gibbs is quoted on joegibbsracing.com. "After speaking with my wife, Pat, we both agreed it would be a thrill to go back. I appreciate (Redskins owner) Daniel Snyder giving me the opportunity to coach again."
In addition to his acceptance of a deal, Redskins sources also told SportsLine.com that Gibbs has already met with and signed former Bills head coach Gregg Williams to become his new defensive coordinator. Williams was the hottest defensive coordinator on the open market and was previously set to fly to New York on Friday to interview with new Giants coach Tom Coughlin.
Last year, the Dallas Cowboys signed Bill Parcells, taking him out of retirement.
But Gibbs is a different story. He has been out of coaching since 1992 and then left football completely to join NASCAR.
Gibbs made his decision late Tuesday, and then moved immediately to construct his staff. It is unclear when the Redskins will make the move official.
The mere mention of Gibbs' name brings instant credibility among the players, who had become disenchanted with the losing atmosphere. Even though most have never met Gibbs, his legacy left a long shadow.
"You can just walk through this building and look at those Super Bowl trophies, and that will tell you enough about him -- even if you were too young to watch the guy coach," tackle Chris Samuels said.
Gibbs was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and over the years has said he didn't want to return to coaching, although he has retained NFL connections. He was involved with a group that attempted to purchase the Redskins after owner Jack Kent Cooke's death in the late 1990s, and he is currently a minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons.
The Redskins interviewed at least three other candidates: former Giants coach Jim Fassel, former Vikings coach Dennis Green, and Seahawks defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes.
Gibbs' racing teams have been among the most successful in NASCAR, with two Winston Cup championships in the last four seasons. Bobby Labonte won the title in 2000, Tony Stewart in 2002.
Gibbs' oldest son, J.D., is president of Joe Gibbs Racing. The former coach's youngest son, Coy, finished 14th last season in the Busch Series standings.
The racing team will continue under the same management. J.D. Gibbs will remain team president, and all of the drivers and key sponsors have long-term deals.
"He called a big meeting at the airport last night," Stewart said. "He said, 'Can you meet us at the airport? We've got something we got to talk about.' I think it is a great thing for him. He has always been involved in football. Even when he hasn't been coaching, he's kept a close eye on football."
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.