The Most Beloved Coach in History?

[Schneed10]

When you think of the great coaches in NFL history, the names Vince Lombardi, Chuck Noll, Don Schula, Tom Landry, Bill Parcells, Joe Gibbs, and Bill Belichick all have to come to mind. But when you think of which coach is loved the most by his former players and fans, the answer just has to be Gibbs.

Parcells, Landry and Lombardi command respect more than anything. They were appreciated. Belichick is a great strategic coach, but a loaf of white bread is more exciting. Don Schula and Chuck Noll were both loved dearly by their teams and cities, but I think Gibbs takes the cake when it comes to love. Nowhere else do you hear players saying things like "It's like you're playing for your grandfather. You just want to go out there and fight for him."

And what has ever generated such a buzz within the Beltway as much as his return did? The fans love this guy, how can you not? And I think the best part about him, is you can truly see that he loves us all right back. I mean he turned down a coaching opportunity with the Falcons several years ago. The only team he ever could have come back to was here, fighting for old D.C.

That's love right there. There's not a coach in all of history who'd I'd rather have.