Joe Gibbs, Hall of Fame NASCAR Team Owner and Former NFL Coach, Dies at 84….read more….

Joe Gibbs, Hall of Fame NASCAR Team Owner and Former NFL Coach, Dies at 84….read more….

April 21, 2025 – Charlotte, NC — The sports world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic and accomplished figures. Joe Gibbs, the legendary former NFL head coach and NASCAR team owner, has died at the age of 84. Gibbs passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family, according to a statement released by Joe Gibbs Racing.

Known for his unmatched success in both football and motorsports, Joe Gibbs leaves behind a legacy that transcends sports. He is one of the few individuals in American sports history to achieve the highest honors in two professional leagues — the NFL and NASCAR.

Dual-Sport Dominance

Born on November 25, 1940, in Mocksville, North Carolina, Joe Gibbs first rose to national prominence as the head coach of the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). Hired in 1981, Gibbs led Washington to three Super Bowl championships (1982, 1987, 1991) during his first coaching stint. His offensive ingenuity, leadership, and ability to build championship-caliber teams cemented him as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.

He briefly returned to the NFL for a second coaching stint from 2004 to 2007 before retiring for good. His career NFL coaching record stands at 154-94, including postseason play, with an astounding 17-7 playoff record.

In 1996, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his football brilliance.

The NASCAR Chapter

After stepping away from the NFL in the early 1990s, Gibbs shifted his focus to a new challenge — motorsports. In 1992, he founded Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Initially seen as an ambitious crossover move, it didn’t take long for Gibbs to prove skeptics wrong.

JGR quickly rose to become one of NASCAR’s most respected and successful teams. Under Gibbs’ leadership, the team earned five NASCAR Cup Series championships with drivers Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart, and Kyle Busch. His team also accumulated numerous Xfinity Series titles and over 200 wins across NASCAR’s top divisions.

In 2020, he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, becoming one of the few individuals honored in two separate major sports halls of fame.

“Joe Gibbs was a giant in every sense of the word — in football, in NASCAR, and in life,” said NASCAR President Steve Phelps. “His leadership, integrity, and competitive spirit elevated everyone around him.”

A Man of Faith and Family

Beyond his professional achievements, Joe Gibbs was known for his strong Christian faith, quiet humility, and devotion to family. He was a published author and frequent speaker on topics such as leadership, perseverance, and character.

Gibbs also founded Game Plan for Life, a Christian outreach ministry aimed at mentoring men and helping them lead purposeful lives. The initiative included books, programs in prisons, and youth mentoring.

He endured personal tragedy with the death of his son J.D. Gibbs in 2019 due to a neurological disease. J.D. played a key role in building Joe Gibbs Racing and was seen by many as the heir to his father’s motorsports legacy. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Gibbs continued to lead the organization with strength and resolve.

A Lasting Impact

Joe Gibbs’ dual-sport legacy is unlikely to be matched. His success in two of America’s most competitive professional arenas is the stuff of legends. Even more importantly, the way he treated people — whether NFL stars, NASCAR drivers, or young staffers — earned him deep respect and admiration across both industries.

“Coach Gibbs changed my life,” said former NASCAR champion Kyle Busch. “He believed in me when others didn’t and gave me the platform to become who I am today. His leadership was unmatched, and his heart was even bigger than his accomplishments.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also released a statement: “Joe Gibbs was a cornerstone of our league — a coach’s coach and a man of faith, character, and excellence. His contributions to the game will never be forgotten.”

Remembering Joe

Memorial services for Joe Gibbs will be held later this week at a location to be announced. NASCAR teams are expected to honor him during this weekend’s race with special decals and tributes. The Washington Commanders organization is also planning a ceremony at FedExField to celebrate his NFL legacy.

Joe Gibbs is survived by his wife Pat, son Coy Gibbs, several grandchildren, and a wide network of family, friends, and colleagues who loved and respected him deeply.

In a world that often separates the gridiron from the racetrack, Joe Gibbs brought them together with brilliance, humility, and an unmatched passion for competition. His name will forever be etched in the annals of American sports history.