Gibbs says he has no plans to return to Redskins, but hopes they turn their fortunes around

Gibbs says he’s not returning to Redskins

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Hall of Fame former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said Sunday he has no plans to return to the struggling team.

Gibbs laughed when asked at Martinsville Speedway about rumors and Internet reports that he could return to the team as an adviser or even general manager.

“That’s what it is. Talk,” the owner of three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams said. “Right here’s where I’m GMing.”

Gibbs disagreed with the idea that the Redskins coaching job is one of the toughest in the NFL under owner Dan Snyder.

“When I was there last go-round, we had somebody that was a passionate owner, cared about things and supported me in every way,” he said. “I think any NFL team, it’s tough when you’re not winning, and those things are easy to get off. All you’ve got to do is look around this year and Tennessee and some of the other teams are struggling that were real good last year.”

The Titans were an NFL-best 13-3 last season, but are 0-6, including a 59-0 loss to New England last Sunday. The start has some Titans fans calling for a coaching change, even though Jeff Fisher came into the season as one of the league’s most respected coaches.

“It’s easy to get ‘em off and I think it takes a while to get them straightened out,” Gibbs said of NFL teams’ fortunes. “Hopefully we get it going there (in Washington).”

Redskins fans, too, are calling for changes. Coach Jim Zorn was relieved of his play-calling duties after the team lost 14-6 last week to the winless Kansas City Chiefs. This week, general manager Vinny Cerrato said there are no plans to replace Zorn this year.

“I think it’s pro sports. The fans are passionate and they want a winner, but I think that’s part of pro sports,” Gibbs said of fans’ impatience.

The Redskins are 2-4 entering their Monday night game against Philadelphia, despite having set an NFL record by playing six teams all seeking their first victory.