I wrote a long column today about Joe Gibbs, who wants very much to have a second chance in life to make up for the time he lost as a work-aholic football coach.
Gibbs believes he has found that second chance with his eight grandchildren. He never coached one of his sons' athletic teams -- he was too busy -- but now he coaches his 11-year-old grandson's football team (and even has been holding offseason film and Bible studies with the group).
What isn't in the story -- because it wasn't the focus of this piece -- but what I always have found interesting is that Gibbs could have been Carolina's first coach. How would the Panthers' history have changed then if Gibbs had decided to return to coaching in 1995 at the behest of Jerry Richardson (who wanted him)?
Instead, Gibbs said "No, thanks" -- he was early into his career as a NASCAR owner then and, even though he lived in the Charlotte area, he wasn't ready to make a move back into coaching then. The timing just wasn't right.
Gibbs would have been fantastic for the Panthers, of course -- although Dom Capers wasn't a bad first coach by any means and had one great season here (in 1996). He would have run a different offense (more one-back sets) and likely not have been so veteran-driven in the early years, for he would have felt less pressure to win early than a guy going into his first head-coaching job (Capers) undoubtedly felt.
Anyway, it's all speculation now, but I have always wondered a little at how far Gibbs might have taken the Panthers had he taken the job.
We're moving!
9 years ago
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How would it be to be coaching your son's youth football team and look across the field at the opposing sidelines and see Joe Gibbs standing there coaching the other team??? Wonder if he still wears a Motorola headset?
Growing up a Cowboys fan...in 1995 that would have been a tough pill to swallow!
But looking back, yeah that would have been possibly a super match. Was Gibbs officially offered the job? If so, what's the word on how tempted he was by the offer?
There is no comparison between Joe Gibbs and George Seifert.
And, if you'll read, he wasn't talking about anyone hiring him NOW, it was back in 95 braniac!
There are a lot of young and talanted coaches out there..... but there is something profound about the old grizzeled coach on the sidelines.
Gibbs has always been old and grizzled NFL or NASCAR once a coach always a coach.
par? Are you retarded? READ THE ARTICLE. No wonder this state is so far down on the list is education.
no, don't hire joe gibbs now. we need j. fox. gibbs was good coach but he would not be a good fit for the pathers. the pathers are good with out him.
Who cares???Panthers this,panthers that..woulda,coulda,shoulda.
The day the nuts that create these wishful fairy tale sories stops having this garbage printed the better off the world will be.
I can't wait for the day the panthers move to a city that is a NFL city.And not a cram it down your throat every single day,make up a story every single day bunch of horse manure writing.The Charlotte observer and all local media outlets are why I do and will always hate the panthers.
hi, i'm roderick, from charlotte. i'm a big panther fan .from the beginning. just want to comment on the mike vick story. the man has pay his due's. i understand owner jerry richerson thing on problem player. but, man;mike would have been great pick up for us.i just don't beleive in jake. i don't see wht the team see's in him. his day are limited. history will show, he'll do the same this year, as the playoff, get happy feet in the pocket, and start playing for the other team. so why no mix-it up wit vick on a limited contact.hoping for the best, roderick
hi, i'm roderick, from charlotte. i'm a big panther fan .from the beginning. just want to comment on the mike vick story. the man has pay his due's. i understand owner jerry richerson thing on problem player. but, man;mike would have been great pick up for us.i just don't beleive in jake. i don't see wht the team see's in him. his day are limited. history will show, he'll do the same this year, as the playoff, get happy feet in the pocket, and start playing for the other team. so why no mix-it up wit vick on a limited contact.hoping for the best, roderick
RE: Who cares???Panthers this,panthers that..woulda,coulda,shoulda.
The day the nuts that create these wishful fairy tale sories stops having this garbage printed the better off the world will be.
I can't wait for the day the panthers move to a city that is a NFL city.And not a cram it down your throat every single day,make up a story every single day bunch of horse manure writing.The Charlotte observer and all local media outlets are why I do and will always hate the panthers.
Then....why are you writing this about them..Oh..you must love Detroit! or those fantastic Raiders!!
Roderick,
Your high school English teacher just called, she wants you to return your diploma.
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