The Most Beloved Coach in History?

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.

nice post, I agree 100%

How could you omit Bill Walsh from that list?

Seems as though Walsh would also fall into Gibbs category, of being a players coach. Can't say which one I'd rather have, since I don't know the inside scoop on him.

Schneed, that was a great post man. I agree with everything you said.

I think Gibbs coming back has upped his "beloved" factor. This is different than when a new coach comes in and turns a franchise into a perennial contender. That coach becomes respected and valued. When a guy sits out 10 years and comes back to the team he made great just to turn it back around that is a whole different story. There is no other coach in the history of the league that has done such a thing. If he is able to win us a Superbowl he becomes the greatest coach in professinal sports history I think and his "beloved" factor goes through the roof.

When it comes to fans, Gibbs probably takes the cake... however if you're talking about being beloved by players, i wonder if Dick Vermiel wouldnt elbow his way onto your list... i mean as much as he cries, you cant help but want to hold him in your arms and wipe away his tears... kiss him on the cheek and tell him its going to be okay...

If they said that Schula was going back to Miami there would be a lot of buzz generated. Not as much as DC though, but thats only because in general peopel in Miami arent sports fans.

I'm sure other fans would disagree with us. Steelers fans would go Noll, 49ers fans would say Walsh, etc. Every city loves their great coaches. Gibbs is a great guy and commands a lot of respect but let's not get ahead of ourselves. He came back because Coy wanted to coach. Though he missed it (like every coach) it is also a huge burden and I bet it took come convincing to get the wife to let him come back! Not that any of these are bad things, but I'm pretty sure the reason he came back didn't completely stem from wanting to turn Washington into a winner again (though that was a part of the thought process I'm sure.)

Belichick is a great strategic coach, but a loaf of white bread is more exciting. True enough, if he gets into Canton they're just going to toss a ratty Pats sweatshirt onto his bust!

Gibbs is probably the best leader of that elite group. It's rare to find someone who can have players play hard for them day in and day out no matter the standings, record, or consequences.

When it comes to fans, Gibbs probably takes the cake... however if you're talking about being beloved by players, i wonder if Dick Vermiel wouldnt elbow his way onto your list... i mean as much as he cries, you cant help but want to hold him in your arms and wipe away his tears... kiss him on the cheek and tell him its going to be okay...
Vermeil is absolutely beloved in Philly, but I think once you are coaching your third team, you work your way off of the list.

So you cross Parcells off? If Bellichek coaches another team he's done? Didn't Lombardi coach three teams? Or was it just two?

What about Ditka? Wonder how the Bears would like that (Or maybe he'd return to New Orleans! ;) )