Washington Redskins (1986) – Joe Gibbs

In 1986, Joe Gibbs led the Washington Redskins (now known as the Washington Commanders) to an impressive 12-4 regular-season record, showcasing his ability to adapt and succeed with a new quarterback following a significant injury the previous year. After Joe Theismann suffered a career-ending leg injury in 1985, Gibbs transitioned to Jay Schroeder as the starting quarterback. That year, Schroeder proved his worth, guiding the team to a strong season and earning a Pro Bowl nod with 4,109 passing yards and 22 touchdowns.

The Redskins’ 1986 campaign included a potent offense, averaging 23.5 points per game, bolstered by a versatile attack. Running back George Rogers led the ground game with 1,203 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, while wide receiver Gary Clark emerged as a key target with 1,265 receiving yards. Gibbs’ balanced approach kept defenses guessing, a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.

In the playoffs, Washington defeated the Los Angeles Rams 19-7 in the Wild Card round and upset the defending champion Chicago Bears 27-13 in the Divisional round, avenging a previous postseason loss. However, their run ended in the NFC Championship Game with a 17-0 shutout loss to the New York Giants, who went on to win Super Bowl XXI. This defeat marked Gibbs’ only NFC Championship Game loss during his initial tenure with the team (1981-1992).

Gibbs’ success in 1986 underscored his reputation as an elite coach. His ability to win with different quarterbacks—later evidenced by Super Bowl victories with Theismann (1982), Doug Williams (1987), and Mark Rypien (1991)—set him apart. The 1986 season was a testament to his strategic flexibility and leadership, contributing to his legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest coaches, eventually earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.