The Evolution of Coaching Leadership: A Look at the Washington Redskins’ Head Coaches
The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, have a rich history with a total of 30 head coaches throughout their existence. This article delves into the evolution of coaching leadership within the franchise, highlighting key facts and milestones. The sources used for this article include “List of Washington Commanders Head Coaches” on Wikipedia, “List of Washington Redskins Head Coaches” on American Football Database, and “Washington Commanders Coaches” on Pro Football History.com.
Origins and Name Changes
The team’s origins can be traced back to its founding as the Boston Braves in 1932. However, the following year, the team changed its name to the Boston Redskins. In 1937, the franchise relocated to Washington, D.C., where it has been based ever since.
Joe Gibbs: A Coaching Legacy
One notable figure in the history of the Washington Redskins is Joe Gibbs, who stands as the only coach to have had multiple tenures with the team. Gibbs’ impact on the franchise is significant, and his coaching prowess led the team to several successes.
NFL Championships
The Washington Redskins have celebrated success in the form of NFL championships, with two different coaches leading the team to victory. Ray Flaherty guided the team to championships in 1937 and 1942, while Joe Gibbs achieved championship victories in 1982, 1987, and 1991.
Record-Breaking Coaching Accomplishments
Gibbs also holds various coaching records within the Washington Redskins’ history. He boasts the highest number of games coached and the most wins, solidifying his status as one of the franchise’s most successful coaches.
Winning Percentage
When considering winning percentage among coaches with at least one full season coached, Dudley DeGroot emerges at the forefront. DeGroot holds the highest winning percentage among all coaches in Washington Redskins history, with an impressive .737.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Washington Redskins’ coaching legacy has been immortalized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with seven head coaches earning this prestigious honor. Ray Flaherty, Turk Edwards, Curly Lambeau, Otto Graham, Vince Lombardi, George Allen, and Joe Gibbs have all been recognized for their contributions to the franchise.
Ron Rivera: The Most Recent Head Coach
The most recent head coach to lead the Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders, was Ron Rivera. Rivera assumed the role in 2020 and served until 2023, leaving his mark on the franchise’s coaching history.
Sources:
- “List of Washington Commanders Head Coaches” on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Washington_Commanders_head_coaches)
- “List of Washington Redskins Head Coaches” on American Football Database (https://americanfootballdatabase.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Washington_Redskins_head_coaches)
- “Washington Commanders Coaches” on Pro Football History.com (https://pro-football-history.com/franchise/40/washington-commanders-coaches)
FAQs
How many head coaches have the Washington Redskins had throughout their history?
The Washington Redskins have had a total of 30 head coaches throughout their history.
What were the original names of the Washington Redskins?
The team was originally founded as the Boston Braves in 1932 and later changed their name to the Boston Redskins in 1933 before moving to Washington, D.C. in 1937.
Who is the only coach to have had multiple tenures with the Washington Redskins?
Joe Gibbs is the only coach to have had multiple tenures with the Washington Redskins.
How many NFL championships have the Washington Redskins won and who were the winning coaches?
The Washington Redskins have won a total of five NFL championships. Ray Flaherty led the team to championships in 1937 and 1942, while Joe Gibbs achieved championship victories in 1982, 1987, and 1991.
Who holds the record for the most games coached and wins in the history of the Washington Redskins?
Joe Gibbs holds the record for the most games coached and wins in the history of the Washington Redskins.
Which coach has the highest winning percentage among all Washington Redskins coaches?
Dudley DeGroot has the highest winning percentage among all Washington Redskins coaches, with a .737 winning percentage.
How many Washington Redskins head coaches have been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Seven Washington Redskins head coaches have been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They are Ray Flaherty, Turk Edwards, Curly Lambeau, Otto Graham, Vince Lombardi, George Allen, and Joe Gibbs.
Who was the most recent head coach of the Washington Redskins?
The most recent head coach of the Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders, was Ron Rivera, who served from 2020 to 2023.