Gibbs proves an old coach can learn new tricks

	In delegating more duties to his assistants, Joe Gibbs modernized his approach, which helped guide the Redskins to the playoffs. Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

In the waning moments of the Redskins' 31-20 victory over the Eagles last Sunday, defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin sought not his teammates, but coach Joe Gibbs on the sideline of Lincoln Financial Field. Griffin, one of Gibbs' staunchest supporters throughout a 6-10 return engagement to the NFL in 2004, grasped the significance of  last week's outcome. Sure, the Redskins had clinched their first postseason berth since 1999 in the regular-season finale, but more important, the cathartic victory had officially halted the notion that Washington's Hall-of-Fame coach was in over his head after returning from an 11-season hiatus. And with a well-earned embrace, the 6-foot-3, 300-pound anchor of Washington's stingy defense let the Redskins' 64-year-old leader know that he understood this was no ordinary victory.

In January 2004, when Gibbs discussed with family whether to return, a major concern was the risk of sullying his legacy, which included Super Bowls titles in 1983, '88 and '92. Given this season's 10-6 showing and an NFC wildcard matchup against Tampa Bay on Saturday, it's clear that Gibbs still has what it takes to succeed in the league.

"We'll look back on this one, regardless of how far we go in the playoffs," quarterback Mark Brunell said. "All the people that said the game has passed [Gibbs] by, can't say that anymore. It's impossible to win 10 football games when the game has supposedly passed you by. For us to come as far as we have from last year says a lot about him."

Last season, Gibbs presided over the worst team in his career as his anachronistic offense displayed all the firepower of a wet napkin. Whispers, including a few at Redskins Park, grew into unfamiliar criticism. Another losing season with an anemic offense would have hardened the sentiment that Gibbs was out of touch in today's NFL.

To a lesser extent, Washington's record also provides a salve for owner Daniel Snyder. Despite making the Redskins perhaps the most financially successful franchise in sports, Snyder -- who became owner in '99 -- had garnered a reputation for switching head coaches the way Joan Collins changes husbands. Norv Turner was fired with three games left in the 2000 season, interim coach Terry Robiskie was released at the end of that season, Marty Schottenheimer was let go after one season and Steve Spurrier resigned after his second season. But Gibbs almost certainly will be the first head coach under Snyder to make it to a third season Just as important, Snyder locked up defensive honcho Gregg Williams this week for at least another season, giving him a three-year contract averaging $2.67 million.