I don't think this is a very good idea. Why would anyone return to a job he left 11 years ago — the best at what he does — to try to rebuild what other people have let collapse?

Joe Gibbs is returning to coach the Washington 'Skins [sorry, just not in the mood to type the full name today]. He signed a five-year, $25 million dollar contract to try to do what suntanned, grimacing/smirking/whining [the guy emotes in only those three ways ... sometimes all at once] college boy Steve Spurrier couldn't do for the same money: make the 'Skins into a winner again.

Going Out On Top

Gibbs was very successful the first time around in Washington.

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 — each with a different quarterback.

[And one of those quarterbacks was Doug Williams, the first black quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory. Another one was Joe Theismann, whose career was ended by a vicious leg break caused by a Lawrence Taylor sack. Major ick.]

Gibbs is a respected coach who walked away after reaching the pinnacle of his profession. He stayed away for 11 years, started a money-making NASCAR team, and even bought a percentage of the Atlanta Falcons.

Now he's returning to his old team. I think he's nuts. Why would anyone want to return to the NFL, where head coaches work obscenely long days during the season and insanely long ones during the off-season? It can't be the money. Gibbs is 63 and should be set for life [and if he isn't, he needs a new money manager. Or wife.].

He could just sit around and manage his NASCAR team. Or he could just manage nothing and live the good life. I guess he's one of those freaky, super competitive people and likes to constantly challenge himself. Challenge, schmallenge. Sucking down Margaritas on a 42-foot sail boat sounds like enough of a challenge, but that's just me.

Jinx!

I'm not going to make any predictions, but I wonder if Gibbs will succeed this time around. The team owners are different; the players are different; the rules are different; the game is different. He could fail miserably and put a ding in his pristine coaching record. The D.C. area had the thrill of watching a past-his-prime Michael Jordan end his career with a losing team. Will they now see the same thing with Gibbs?