End Of An Era

When Joe Gibbs returned in 2004 as coach of the Washington Redskins, it raised the hopes of longtime fans of the team. During his previous 12 year stint he led the team to four Super Bowl appearances, winning three of them. He amassed a winning record that was among the highest in the NFL and earned himself a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Still, there was some concern whether Gibbs could live up to expectations. After all, he was such a revered figure in Washington sports. And given the long famine of winning seasons the team endured after his departure, his legend had only grown. All this led to concerns in some quarters that if Gibbs didn't succeed in turning around the team's fortunes, he would end up tarnishing his image.

Unfortunately, that's pretty much where things stand at the moment. It's also where they will stay, for Gibbs resigned from the team earlier today.

Others will argue about why he couldn't fully repeat his past glories. They'll say that the NFL has passed him by, that the game had changed to such an extent that he couldn't adapt his own coaching style.

Whatever. In the end, football is just a game.

What IS important, and what hasn't changed, is that Gibbs is a good and decent man. He should know that whatever else may be said in the coming days, he still has a strong following of fans who appreciate him, and who wish him nothing but best in his future endeavors.