The 10 Most Underrated NFL Head Coaches Since 2000

3. Joe Gibbs, Washington

Average nERD: 0.07 (32nd)
Average Win Differential: -1.00 (43rd)

Joe Gibbs was actually a head coach with Washington for a total of 16 years, from 1981 to 1992, then back for his second stint from 2004 to 2007. We don’t have data from the earlier years, but if we did, it would be impressive, I’m sure. Gibbs helmed the Washington dynasty that earned eight playoff berths, including four Super Bowl appearances and three Super Bowl victories. Mind you, too, this extended beyond losing star quarterback Joe Theismann to a career-ending leg injury five years into his tenure and budding star Doug Williams to injuries shortly thereafter. Gibbs masterminded three championship seasons with three different passers (Mark Rypien was the third) and solidified his legacy early on.

Then, he returned. Washington brought him back in the mid-2000’s, but the same pure magic he had with John Riggins and the “Hogs” offensive line was missing. Washington did make two postseasons under Gibbs in 2005 and 2007, but with average players like Mark Brunell and Jason Campbell under center (and running back Clinton Portis often injured), Gibbs ended up with a below-average win differential in his second time with the team. His team’s 5.03 nERD in 2005 was the high point of this era, but inconsistency was the killer for Washington in Gibbs’ last ride.