Joe Gibbs, now recognized as one of NASCAR’s most celebrated team owners, started his remarkable path in professional sports through an unexpected turn in football. The story of Gibbs’ coaching journey began when a pivotal moment with John Madden dramatically redirected his future, laying the foundation for his success in both football and racing.
In his early days, Joe Gibbs attended San Diego State University, where he played football and developed an interest in coaching. After graduation, Gibbs approached Don Coryell, then the university’s head coach, and expressed his desire to start his coaching career. Coryell introduced him to his defensive coach, John Madden, assigning Gibbs to work with the defense. However, the partnership faced a quick and unexpected end. During a spring game, Gibbs hesitated to provide plays to Madden, choosing instead to participate as a player alongside his friends. The result was immediate—Madden let him go from the defensive staff.
Gibbs recounted the experience in an interview with Kyle Petty:
“I started over with Madden. Then we had a spring game, and I wouldn’t give him the plays. He wanted the plays. I wouldn’t get into it because I was playing in the spring game. Had all my buddies. He fired me after the game. I walked to Coryell the next day, and I said, ‘Coach. John fired me.’ And he goes, ‘Shoot, fella, why don’t you come over and work with me on offense?’ So, that’s how I got to offense.”
— Joe Gibbs, Coach
This abrupt firing ultimately changed Gibbs’ coaching trajectory. Don Coryell, instead of turning him away, invited the young aspirant to work on the offensive side. Under Coryell’s tutelage, Gibbs learned detailed strategies about passing games and timing-based offenses, knowledge that would serve as his trademark years later in the National Football League. Those formative years became the base of a coaching philosophy that would later shape one of the NFL’s most dominant teams.
A Breakthrough Opportunity With the Washington Redskins
Gibbs’ journey from college coach to NFL legend took a major step forward in 1980, following his tenure with the San Diego Chargers. After a challenging loss, Gibbs received a call from Bobby Beathard, a notable front office executive and the general manager of the Washington Redskins, presenting him the chance to interview for the coveted head coaching position. The invitation was an emotional milestone for Gibbs, who had dreamed of leading a professional football team.
During a conversation with Kyle Petty, Gibbs described his feelings and the intimidating experience of meeting Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke in New York:
“We flew to New York, not Washington. Mr. Cooke [Jack Kent Cooke] is in the hotel there. I started interviewing with him, and he was so intimidating. About halfway through the interview, he said, ‘Hey, Joe. I own that building there.’”
— Joe Gibbs, Coach
The meeting left a lasting impression on Gibbs, especially when Cooke pointed out ownership of the Chrysler Building. The scale of responsibility sank in as he recalled:
“And he pointed at the Chrysler Building. No way. No way. I’m talking to a guy who owns the Chrysler Building. I’m sitting here. I’m so intimidated. I didn’t sleep for two days. I was so excited, and then it dawned on me. All those people were counting on me. We got to win.”
— Joe Gibbs, Coach
The weight of expectation was immense, but Gibbs embraced the challenge. His leadership quickly transformed the Washington Redskins, guiding the organization to three Super Bowl victories and establishing a legacy for both himself and the franchise.
Looking back, Gibbs can credit a single spring game, an act of being let go, and the willingness of mentors like Don Coryell and opportunities from leaders like Bobby Beathard and Jack Kent Cooke for paving the way in his extraordinary coaching career. What began with a dismissal at San Diego State ultimately unlocked a future that shaped multiple sports and inspired countless fans, proving that sometimes setbacks can reveal an entirely new path to greatness in the Joe Gibbs coaching journey.
