This could be a move that could bring instant credibility back to the organization. Vinny would still need to go of course, and real GM would still need to be put in place, but it would be a big step.
Joe seems to be the only guy who can keep Dan in line.
Snyder: “I want to be called Mr. Snyder by everyone in this organization.”
Coach Joe: “That’s nice Dan. Now go iron my shirt and make me one of those...I think the kids call them <cackling in trademarked Gibbs fashion> "sammiches" these days.”
Snyder: “......Yes”
Coach Joe: “Yes?”
Snyder: “Yes sir.”
I often wondered how the personal interaction between Gibbs and Snyder went. Somewhere in the back of my mind I think I envisioned something along those lines but seeing it in print like that, classic!! I 'bout busted a gut.
I couldn't resist making one small change though.
My only concern with this is that Gibbs was out of the game for more than a decade the first time and has now been out again for almost 2 years. Does he have the info on the available GM candidates and possible up and comers at Head Coach to be really effective in a Parsells type role?
The Tuna never really left the NFL. Even in the years he didn't coach or work in someone's Front Office he worked in TV on NFL shows so he was always connected in some way. Gibbs went to a completely different sport.
That is not to say that I would not welcome this move...I would. Joe certainly can't do any worse than the people in charge now and he brings a level of credibility that will take Danny decades to earn, if he even can at this point. Gibbs is also a very shrewd judge of character which would likely serve him well in this role. It could also be argued that he did a better job of assembling a defensive staff out of today's NFL coaches than he did an offensive staff out of yesterday's coaches.
I just hope if this happens it is more than the Danny using Gibbs rep to hide behind.
I respect and love Joe Gibbs! He not only won while he was here, but he won with respect. He was interested in building up his players. He was the only one who seemingly could handle Danny Boy's ego and he did squeeze blood from a turnip in his second tenure.
You are right Chris, he would bring some respect to this organization increasing the chances of snagging a quality GM and coach. And he will always be linked to the hearts of Redskins' everywhere.
But my question is, when do we move on? The Steelers had to move on from Chuck Noll and are winning. The Cowboys moved past the Landry days with great success in the 90's. The Giants moved past the Big Tuna years and are doing fine without him.
Gibbs is a band-aid. He was during the four years he came back. As soon as he left Danny Boy jumped all over the chance to dip his fingers in the batter again and look where that left us.
Is Joe Gibbs capable of keeping Danny in line? Yes! But how long will he be here before he moves on and Danny jumps right back into the decision making tearing down the very foundation Gibbs built?
The two posts above probably sum up where I am with this move, nevermind that it seems not to be on the table anyway.
I'd be thrilled to have Gibbs back with the team because, well, he's Joe Gibbs, I love the guy and he knows a heck of a lot about the game/league. Sure he's been away for a while. However, we wouldn't be asking him to coach or even evaluate player personnel. Rather, in picking a team GM, we'd be asking him to do what he's probably always been best at, establishing a team identity, setting the tone, and evaluating character, heart and ultimately, what makes a person tick.
Anyone that's ever worked in HR can tell you that interviews are the least accurate judge of a candidate's abilities. Furthermore, Gibbs is the one of the few people Snyder can't push around. Therefore, I think he's uniquely qualified for such a position with us and would be a great addition to the F.O.
OTOH, as has been pointed out, Gibbs is getting older and thus might only be a short-term band-aid fix for a F.O. in serious need of a lobotomy...for starters. Also I think Gibbs endured enough due to his lack of success in his second stint and the (mostly) unfair and misplaced criticism from our fans that came along with it. Gibbs 2.0 tarnished his legacy, even if only slightly. I'd hate to see that legacy sustain even more damage from another effort to save this team from itself (i.e. Snyder).
