Is Joe Gibbs the greatest NFL coach ever?

Who is the greatest coach in NFL history? If you go by wins, it's Don Shula. If you go by Super Bowl championships, it's Bill Belichick. There are other names in the mix, too, such as Vince Lombardi, Bill Walsh, George Halas, and Andy Reid.

What about legendary former Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs? In 12 seasons as Washington's head coach from 1981-92, Gibbs led the Redskins to four Super Bowl appearances, winning three championships. He also did it with three different quarterbacks. Gibbs unexpectedly retired after the 1992 season to start his own NASCAR team.

In 2004, Gibbs shockingly returned. And while his second tenure wasn't as successful as his first, he did lead Washington to the playoffs twice in four seasons, including a remarkable run to close out the 2007 season following the tragic death of star safety Sean Taylor.

Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports recently ranked the top 20 NFL head coaches of all time. He had Gibbs at No. 9:

Gibbs is mostly known for winning three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. But what was almost as impressive was Gibbs winning two Super Bowls during strike-shortened seasons. In 1987, he famously went 3-0 with replacement players en route to Washington's second Super Bowl title. In that Super Bowl, Washington scored 35 points in the second quarter, a Super Bowl record that likely won't ever be broken.

Gibbs won three Super Bowls during an era that included several other dynastic teams. He won them using different styles; Washington's first Super Bowl was won on the strength of running back John Riggins and "The Hogs," while an aerial passing attack helped Washington win its third Super Bowl.

Gibbs' legacy also includes winning a Super Bowl with Doug Williams, who became the first Black quarterback to do so, following Washington's demolition of Denver in Super Bowl XXII. Gibbs was a legendary workaholic who routinely ended meetings upon hearing the garbage man outside the team's facility in the early morning hours.

Prior to coaching in Washington, Gibbs had two different stints working under Don Coryell, whose innovative passing attack ultimately led to his Hall of Fame induction in 2023. During the 1979 and '80 seasons, Gibbs served as the Chargers' offensive coordinator under Coryell. Under Gibbs' watch, Dan Fouts set the single-season passing record both seasons.

In 2004, after 12 years away from football, Gibbs returned for a second stint in Washington. And while this run wasn't as successful as his first, Gibbs nonetheless led Washington to a pair of playoff appearances and the franchise's first playoff win since 1992.

In case you are wondering, here is his top 10:

1. Bill Belichick

2. Vince Lombardi

3. Bill Walsh

4. Paul Brown

5. Don Shula

6. George Halas

7. Chuck Noll

8. Andy Reid

9. Joe Gibbs

10. Tom Landry

Do you agree? Remember, rankings are subjective. Gibbs entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame as soon as he was eligible. You could make the case that Gibbs is the best coach ever. Winning three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks is a major accomplishment. How many did Belichick win without Tom Brady? What was Belichick's record without Brady?

That's not to discount Belichick. He's arguably the greatest defensive mastermind in NFL history. There are others who could make a strong case, too. Is there a more influential coach than Walsh? Shula won 347 games, including the playoffs.

After leaving the NFL, Gibbs won five NASCAR Cup Series championships and four NASCAR Xfinity Series championships. All Gibbs does is win.

Who do you believe is the best NFL coach of all time?

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Is Joe Gibbs the greatest NFL coach ever?