Gibbs retires as coach, president

Joe Gibbs has resigned as coach and president of the Washington Redskins, the team said today.

Gibbs planned to announce his decision today at a 3 p.m. press conference at Redskin Park.

The 67-year-old Gibbs had just completed what he called his “toughest season,” a campaign that included a long string of injuries to key players, the murder of star safety Sean Taylor, four straight heartbreaking defeat, a stirring run to the playoffs and, finally, a first-round exit in the postseason.

The Redskins were eliminated from the playoffs by the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. At a press conference on Monday, Gibbs declined to discuss his future with the team.

The club plans to immediately begin a search for Gibbs’ successor.

The Redskins already have two strong candidates in assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams and associate head coach Al Saunders. Williams served as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 2001 to 2003. Saunders coached the San Diego Chargers from 1986 to 1988.

Williams produced three top-10 defenses in his four seasons with the Redskins.

Gibbs compiled a 31-36 record and twice took his team to the playoffs in his second tenure with the Redskins. In his first stint with the club, Gibbs guided the Redskins to four Super Bowls, winning three of them — a performance that earned him a place in the Hall of Fame after he retired the first time in March 1993.