Gibbs steps down as Redskins coach

ASHBURN, Va., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Joe Gibbs has stepped down as the head coach and president of the Washington Redskins.

The Redskins' Web site included a brief announcement of Gibbs' decision. He and team owner Daniel Snyder scheduled a news conference for Tuesday afternoon. The Web site said Gibbs would remain in the Redskins' organization as a special adviser to Snyder.

Gibbs, 67, just completed his fourth season in his second tenure as the Washington coach. The Redskins were 9-7 this season, which ended Saturday with a wild-card playoff game loss at Seattle.

He previously coached the team for 12 years, taking Washington to championships in Super Bowl XVII, Super Bowl XXII and Super Bowl XXVI. Gibbs suddenly retired after the 1992 season, citing health problems and a desire to spend more time with his family.

Gibbs was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. His combined coaching record at Washington was 154-94. He was voted UPI coach of the year after the 1982 season, which ended with the Redskins winning their first Super Bowl title.