myhousekey Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 HEAD COACH SEAN PAYTON MAKES FIRST ADDITION TO HIS STAFF: GARY GIBBS AS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Former Dallas Cowboys Assistant has 23 years of coaching experience For Immediate Release: Jan. 23, 2006 The New Orleans Saints have hired Gary Gibbs as defensive coordinator, the club announced today. Gibbs, the linebacker coach for the Dallas Cowboys for the last four seasons and a 23-year coaching veteran, has been a coordinator three times, including at LSU in 2001. Gibbs, 53, is the initial hire by head coach Sean Payton for his staff. “When I was introduced last week I said that I wanted to bring teachers in who were looking to work hard, enjoy their work and be part of a team with everyone moving in the same direction,” said Payton. “Gary defines that description. He is extremely dedicated and getting him in New Orleans sets the tone for the rest of the additions to my coaching staff.” Gibbs is a proven leader and an experienced defensive strategist. He joined Bill Parcells’ staff in 2002 and made the Cowboys’ linebacker corps one of the team’s standout position groups. Since Gibbs’ arrival, linebackers have led the club in stops each season and posted some of the top tackle-totals in franchise history. “Gary stresses the fundamentals and has a sound philosophy on what he expects from a defense,” Payton said. “But he doesn’t allow that to take away from aggressiveness that you look for that is necessary to make plays.” Gibbs was hired by Dallas after serving as the defensive coordinator at LSU in 2001 and the University of Georgia in 2000. The Tigers – who finished 21st nationally in defense and led the SEC in interceptions with 18 – compiled a 10-3 record that season and won the SEC title and the Sugar Bowl. While at Georgia, the Bulldogs defense ranked 19th in the country and allowed only 18 points per contest. Previously, Gibbs had a 23-year stint at the University of Oklahoma as a player, assistant and head coach. He was the head coach of the Sooners from 1989-94, posting a record of 44-23-2. Gibbs was the defensive coordinator under former head coach Barry Switzer from 1981 until taking over as the head coach. During that span, Oklahoma led the nation in total defense three-straight years (1985-87). Gibbs was a linebacker at the school from 1972-74, and the Sooners finished No. 1 in the nation in 1974, with Gibbs recording 114 tackles that season. Born Aug. 13, 1952, he and his wife, Neanne, have two daughters Whitley and Jordan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 As expected. My hope here is that he is not just going the easy route in signing Gibbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Ryan Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Your hope should be New Orleans gets a new franchise one day after this one leaves for LA after next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 (edited) Your hope should be New Orleans gets a new franchise one day after this one leaves for LA after next season. 1283598[/snapback] Maybe next time we could get a real owner as well. What do you think of Gibbs Sarge? Edited January 23, 2006 by rajncajn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Dick Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 (edited) I really liked him in the BeeGees. Edited January 24, 2006 by Chief Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 (edited) I really liked him in the BeeGees. 1284464[/snapback] [google] That would be Andy, Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb (no "s") [/google] Edited January 24, 2006 by Big John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordo Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Maybe next time we could get a real owner as well. What do you think of Gibbs Sarge? 1283690[/snapback] Ahhhh, we all know there won't be a next time if they leave, but I'm still not convinced it's going to happen. Benson is alot of things, one being very stubborn, and he's said all along that he's not selling the team. Put that together with the fact that it's been made pretty clear that neither the league nor L.A. really want him as the owner of a team there, not to mention the league's desire to maintain a positive image on the Gulf Coast, and you have the Saints a long ways from leaving NOLA for L.A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big F'n Dave Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 I'm sure gonna miss Rick Venturi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Ahhhh, we all know there won't be a next time if they leave, but I'm still not convinced it's going to happen. Benson is alot of things, one being very stubborn, and he's said all along that he's not selling the team. Put that together with the fact that it's been made pretty clear that neither the league nor L.A. really want him as the owner of a team there, not to mention the league's desire to maintain a positive image on the Gulf Coast, and you have the Saints a long ways from leaving NOLA for L.A. 1284484[/snapback] That's been my thinking ever since Tags finally stepped in & started pushing for the Saints to play in NOLA next year. I'm sure gonna miss Rick Venturi. 1284550[/snapback] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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