Just weeks after Joe Gibbs was offered a contract extension to remain the head coach of the Washington Redskins, he retired. Gibbs, an ageless wonder at age 67, endured arguably his hardest season as a head coach since he began coaching in 1964.

I have a hard time blaming Joe for throwing in the towel after this season. Of course there was the death of safety Sean Taylor and, among other things, a whole myriad of injuries. Give credit where credit is due; there aren’t many people who thought Gibbs could guide the Redskins into the playoffs with Todd Collins at quarterback.

Sure we here at Sportable have taken our shots at Gibbs this season. Is it because he looks like a squirrel? Yes. Is it because his coaching decisions are sometimes questionable? You bet. But nobody here is denying his hall of fame credentials. Old bastard has done a hell of a job in his career as a coach and as a NASCAR owner. Maybe at the age of 67 Gibbs is realizing that one sport is all his old bones can handle.